Dental implants are the wonders of the dental world; they provide a life-long solution for missing teeth. Their foundation is from materials such as ceramic, porcelain, or titanium, making them strongly resistant to decay and breakage. However, to make use of these structures forever, it is essential to maintain your oral health. In this blog, let’s discuss essential tips for caring for your
dental implants.
1. Regular Dental Screenings and Cleaning
The first step towards dental implant maintenance is regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Schedule routine screenings since it allows your dental care experts to remove plaque around your gums, reducing the risk of infection around the implants. Moreover, they can detect any early signs of implant failure and take necessary action forward to address the issue right away.
2. Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Regime
Treat your dental implants with the same amount of care as your natural teeth. Adopt a routine that includes brushing your teeth at least two times a day with the help of a soft-bristle toothbrush and a low-abrasive tartar-control toothpaste. Also, keep in mind to floss regularly, especially between the teeth and attachments.
3. Use ADA-Approved Toothpaste
Selecting a toothpaste is not that difficult; opt for ADA-approved options to protect your implants and natural teeth. If you go for abrasive pastes, it can damage your crown and dental enamel over time, making your teeth more susceptible to chips and breakage. Moreover, do not use teeth-whitening toothpaste, as it can be more harmful to your teeth than non-whitening formulas.
4. Antimicrobial Mouthwash
It is a good option to add an antimicrobial mouthwash into your daily routine to inhibit bacterial growth in your oral cavity, reducing the risk of implant infection.
5. Dietary Modifications
Your diet also plays a crucial role when we think about the lifespan of your dental implants. Although with implants, you can delve into your favorite foods and beverages, some precautions prolong their effectiveness.
Do not indulge directly in hot beverages such as coffee or tea; let them cool off slightly before consuming to protect your implants. Other than that, avoid eating hard and sticky foods that can put unnecessary strain on your implants. Lastly, refrain from biting on ice, as it can harm your replacement tooth.
6. No Smoking
Smoking is harmful to overall health and also poses a significant risk to your oral cavity and dental implants. This is due to the chemicals present in cigarettes; they cause teeth to turn yellow and hinder bone regeneration. Additionally, smoking leads to bone loss and gum recession as well, jeopardizing the stability of your dental implants.
7. Do Not Use Your Teeth As Tools
Though dental implants are strong, it is essential to treat them with care. Avoid exerting extra pressure on your implants. Do not use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles, and avoid chewing on hard objects like nails or pencils.
Final Note
Contact professionals from Pasadena Oral Surgery to learn more about dental implants are their care.