For those who have missing teeth, dental implants are a table turner since they are long-lasting, functional, and have a natural appearance. However, they need constant maintenance to last a lifetime, just like natural teeth. Infections, gum disease, or excessive wear can cause dental implants to fail if they are not properly maintained.
Follow these crucial care guidelines if you want your dental implants to remain robust and healthy in upcoming years.
The Significance of Appropriate Dental Implant Maintenance
Dental implants don’t get cavities like real teeth do. However, improper treatment can lead to infection of the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Implant failure may result from peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease.
You can safeguard your investment and keep your smile healthy by developing a good oral hygiene practice and abstaining from bad habits.
Daily Oral Care Routine for Implants
Maintaining dental implants in Circleville needs to be just as important as maintaining your natural teeth. The following is what you must accomplish each day:
Brush Your Teeth Like a Professional
- To keep the implant surface from getting scratched, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Make sure to brush twice a day, particularly right before bed.
- To prevent harming the crown, choose toothpaste that isn’t abrasive.
Floss Daily
- Inflammation may result from plaque buildup near the implant’s base.
- To clean difficult-to-reach places, use a water flosser or implant-safe floss.
Apply an Antimicrobial Mouthwash
- Harmful bacteria can be eliminated with the help of a non-alcoholic antibacterial rinse.
- Lowers the chance of gum disease and infections.
Stay Hydrated
- Drinking water throughout the day supports oral health by washing away bacteria and food debris.
- Prevents dry mouth, which can increase bacterial growth.
Best Foods for Implant Health
- Soft fruits and vegetables (bananas, cucumbers, avocados)
- Lean proteins (fish, chicken, tofu)
- Dairy products (cheese, yogurt) for calcium support
The Ones To Say ‘NO’ To
- Hard foods (nuts, ice, hard candy) can crack implants.
- Sticky foods (caramel, gum) can pull on the implant.
- Excessive coffee, tea, or red wine can stain implant crowns.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: A Must!
Your implants may be artificial, but your gums and jawbone aren’t. To keep them in top condition:
- Visit dentists every 6 months for professional cleanings.
- They will check for any early signs of implant failure or infection.
- Special tools are used to clean around the implants without scratching the surface.
Studies show that over 90% of dental implants last more than 20 years with proper care.
Common Habits That Can Damage Your Implants
Even with good oral care, some habits can harm your implants:
- Smoking slows healing, increasing failure risk.
- Teeth grinding puts excess pressure, causing cracks.
- Poor hygiene leads to infection and gum disease.
- Using teeth as tools can damage or loosen implants.
In the end, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. By following a consistent oral hygiene routine, making smart dietary choices, and attending regular dental check-ups, your implants will surely stay healthy and functional for years.
Taking care of them doesn’t have to be complicated—just stick to these best practices! contact our dentist for further professional guidance.
