Levi KeswickDental implants are a great way to improve your smile and restore oral health. They are more permanent than dentures and look and feel like natural teeth. However, like other dental procedures, they require proper care to ensure they last. This guide will discuss how to properly care for your dental implants to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
See Your Dentist Regularly
It is essential to see your dentist or implant specialist periodically for checkups and cleanings. According to the team at The Dental Implant Place, an implant specialist can detect any implant failure and check for any potential problems with the implant, such as infection or decay. They can also remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the implant. Regular professional cleanings will help keep your implant in good condition and help it last longer.
Avoid Smoking
Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease, which can lead to the loss of natural teeth. They are also at greater risk for developing infections after dental surgery. It can also decrease bone density around the implant, leading to failure. For these reasons, it is essential to avoid smoking if you have dental implants. Tobacco stains can discolor the implant material, and the chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause severe damage. So, if you want your dental implants to last for many years, it is crucial to quit smoking. Quitting may be difficult, but the benefits are worth it.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is vital for your overall health, but it is also crucial for the health of your dental implants. Eating foods high in sugar can increase your risk of cavities around the implant. Foods that are hard or crunchy can also damage the implant. Stick to soft, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to keep your implant healthy.
Without a proper diet, your body will have more difficulty healing an implant site and keeping the implant healthy. For strong bones and gums, it is essential to eat foods high in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of these nutrients include milk, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables. Therefore, eating a nutritious diet will help improve the success and longevity of your implant.
Use the Right Products
When brushing and flossing your implant, use products specifically designed for dental implants. These products will be gentle enough to avoid damaging the implant and effectively remove plaque and bacteria. It would be best to avoid whitening toothpaste or mouthwashes as they can be too abrasive for dental implants, damaging the implant material. Ask your dentist or implant specialist if you have questions about which products to use. They will be able to recommend the best products for your specific needs.
Be Careful with Your Implants
Even though dental implants are strong, they can still be damaged if you’re not careful. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice, candy, etc. Also, wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect your teeth and implants. If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about getting a night guard to protect your implants. These habits can all put too much pressure on the implants and damage them over time. Additionally, if you have loose teeth, be sure to see your dentist immediately, as this could signify implant failure. They can also be a health hazard if they become swallowed or inhaled.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Dental implants must be kept clean like natural teeth to prevent infection and decay. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It would be best if you also flossed daily to remove plaque and food debris around the implant. The best way to do this is to use an interdental brush or a floss threader. These tools will help you reach all the areas around your implants to remove any plaque or bacteria that has built up. Using a gentle flossing motion is critical to avoid damaging the implant.
If you have difficulty flossing around your implants, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the proper technique. They can also recommend other products to help clean your implants easier. With proper care, your dental implants can last for many years and give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Taking care of your implants requires extra effort, but avoiding implant failure or damage is well worth it. With proper care, your implants can last for many years. Be sure to clean your implants regularly, eat a healthy diet, and avoid habits that can damage your implants. If you have any questions about how to care for your implants, be sure to ask your dentist or implant specialist. They will be able to give you specific instructions for your individual needs.
