Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your confidence in your smile.
But even the best dental implants need proper care and maintenance to last a lifetime. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the dos and don’ts for dental implant care so you can keep your implants healthy and looking their best.
Do Brush and Floss Regularly
It is important to brush and floss your dental implants daily, just as you would with natural teeth. This helps prevent plaque buildup which can lead to gum disease or infection around the implant. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, being sure to brush all surfaces of the implant. You should also floss at least once per day using an interdental brush or special floss designed for dental implants.
Do Monitor Your Bite Force
It is important to monitor the amount of pressure you place on your teeth when biting or chewing food. Excessive force can cause damage to the implant and its surrounding structure, leading to implant failure. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth regularly, speak with your dentist about getting fitted for a night guard. This device can help protect both natural teeth and dental implants from excessive bite force while you sleep.
Do Avoid Hard Foods
Your dentist will likely recommend avoiding hard foods after having dental implants put in place since they can cause damage or breakage if not handled carefully. This means avoiding sticky candy, tough meats, and crunchy chips, among other things. Soft foods, such as cooked vegetables and mashed potatoes, are much better for your implants since they won’t put too much pressure on them when chewing. Additionally, it’s always important to chew food on both sides of your mouth instead of all on one side to avoid putting too much stress on one particular tooth or implant.
Don’t Use Tobacco Products
Using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or snuff can increase your risk of developing gum disease or other oral health issues that could damage your dental implants. Tobacco products can also stain your teeth and cause bad breath—both of which can be embarrassing when smiling with confidence in public. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using any type of tobacco product if you have dental implants.
Don’t Skip Your Regular Dental Visits
Even if you take excellent care of your dental implants yourself, it is important that they are checked regularly by a professional dentist or hygienist. During these visits, they will check for signs of infection or wear around the implant site; if caught early enough, these issues can usually be fixed before any more serious complications arise. Also, regular cleanings help remove hard-to-reach plaque buildup that may have occurred since the last visit.
Don’t Use Abrasive Toothpaste or Mouthwash
It’s important to avoid using abrasive toothpaste or mouthwash on your implant since these products can scratch its surface, making it more difficult to keep clean over time. Instead, opt for products specifically designed for use with dental implants or speak with your dentist about what type of product they recommend.
Conclusion
Taking care of your dental implants requires commitment but pays off in the long run with better oral health and improved self-confidence in how you look and feel about yourself. Following these simple dos and don’ts will ensure that you get the most out of your investment in dental implants while keeping them healthy for years to come!