If you’re one of the millions of people who have dental implants, you know they’re a great way to improve your smile and confidence. How well you maintain your dental implant significantly impacts how long your implanted teeth can last. Good maintenance routines will save you time, money, and discomfort in the long term.
Now, did you know that there are some special things you can do to take care of your implants and keep them looking their best? Here are the effective ways to take care of your dental implants to keep them in good condition:
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
It is essential to take care of your dental implants by brushing your teeth twice daily. This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums and will also help keep your implants clean and free of debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions when brushing your teeth so as not to damage your implants.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing is an essential part of good dental hygiene. It can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can permanently damage your teeth. If you have implants, be sure to floss gently around them.
To simplify flossing around the implant, consider purchasing a floss threader or a small interdental brush. Additionally, water flossers are simpler to use and more effective than conventional dental floss.
3. Avoid Harsh Products
The best way to take care of your dental implants is to avoid harsh products. This includes things like abrasive toothpaste, hard-bristled brushes, and alcohol-based mouthwashes. These products can damage the delicate tissue around your implants and cause irritation.
Instead, use gentle products specifically designed for use with dental implants. These will help to keep your implants clean and free from infection.
4. Keep Away from Smoking and Alcohol
In general, abstaining from drinking and smoking is good for one’s health. Avoiding some chemicals is crucial if you have dental implants.
Remember that the healing process for dental implants takes around six months. Therefore, smoking at this time could be very dangerous. Alcohol should be avoided whenever possible because it has been known to slow down the healing of dental implants.
5. Steer Away from Sticky or Hard Foods
When taking care of your dental implants, one of the most important things to keep in mind is avoiding sticky or hard foods. While it’s important to brush and floss regularly, avoiding these foods will help keep your implants in top shape.
Sticky foods can cause plaque around your implants, leading to gum disease. Hard foods can crack or damage your implants, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Make appointments with your dentist for cleanings and checkups in the coming year. In some cases, especially if they see problems with your dental health, your dentist may advise more frequent checkups.
Even if dental implants have taken the place of your natural teeth, you still need to go to routine cleanings and checkups to keep them healthy. In particular, this is crucial if you want to keep your natural teeth.
Conclusion
Taking care of your dental implants is essential to ensure their longevity. There are a few things you can do to take care of your implants, including brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding smoking, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. By taking care of your implants, you can enjoy them for many years to come.
Schedule your regular dental cleaning at Northampton Dental Specialists Group, previously known as Clayton and Canby Dental. We use the latest technologies to provide our patients with a high-quality, comfortable dental experience. Contact us now for more details!
