If you’ve recently had dental implant treatment, then you already know about the many benefits they provide. Stability, restored bone density, and an easy care routine are just a few examples.
While dental implants are impressive pieces of dental technology, they’re not immune to the ravages of time or damage caused by unhealthy habits. Continue reading to learn how you can change a few lifestyle choices to help your implants last for decades to come.
Do: Continue to Brush and Floss Your Implants Regularly
Dental implants are pretty easy to care for as far as an oral health routine is concerned. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least twice a day is all that is required to keep your implant fresh and plaque-free.
Just remember to take extra care of the gums around your implant. While your implant can’t decay like a normal tooth, your gums can become infected by the bacteria in plaque.
Don’t: Use Your Teeth as Tools
It’s tempting to use your teeth to open plastic packages, bottles, and other sealed containers, but you should refrain from doing so. This can damage your teeth and potentially chip or crack your implant.
Do: Use a Waterpik Flosser
Waterpiks are a great way to enhance your oral care routine and ensure that your implants are well taken care of. These flossers use a small stream of lightly pressurized water to remove food and debris from between teeth.
They are ideal for dental implants because they can clear debris around the implant and don’t get stuck or frayed like string floss.
Don’t: Start or Continue Smoking
Studies held at the National Library of Medicine show that the smoke from cigarettes penetrates teeth and gums and supercharges bacterial growth.
These bacteria not only eat away healthy teeth but can also infect the gums and jawbone around your implant, causing it to fail over time as the infection worsens.
Do: Cut Your Food into Smaller Pieces
While your implants can handle tearing into steak once they’re fully fused with your jawbone, it’s still a good idea to avoid applying unnecessary force to them.
Don’t: Eat Hard, Sticky, or Gritty Foods
Hard foods like ice and raw fruits and vegetables can put a lot of stress on your implant and your other teeth. Sticky or gritty foods like taffy, popcorn, corn on the cob, and nuts can stick to teeth or easily wedge between them.
When this happens, it can be difficult to remove the invading food and you risk gum irritation and unseen plaque buildup. This doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy these kinds of foods but try to moderate their consumption.
When caring for your dental implants, the key is to stick to a routine of proper care and regular dental checkups. With proper maintenance, your dental implants can provide you with a lifetime of comfort, aesthetics, and oral well-being.
About the Practice
Baltimore Dental Arts offers a wide array of dental services thanks to its staff of expert dentists with varied backgrounds and skill sets. From routine checkups to advanced procedures, their patient-centered approach ensures that you receive top-quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. To schedule an appointment, call (410) 372-0202 or visit the website for more information.