Once you’ve received your dental implants, you can be sure to enjoy a great deal of advantage to your smile and everyday life. Although they’re durable and long-lasting, you’ll need to implement certain lifestyle changes and habits to ensure they stay in optimal condition. Keep reading to learn some of the do’s and don’ts of dental implants so that you can set yourself up for long-term success.
How to Promote Dental Implant Success
Here are several easy tips to help you maintain your dental implants:
- Brushing & Flossing Daily – Just like with normal teeth, you want to avoid plaque and tartar from building up around your smile. Keep your pearly whites and gums clear of debris every day to protect your implants from bacteria and infection.
- Using Water Flossers – Consider adding a Waterpik or water flosser to your oral hygiene to help you clean hard-to-reach places around your mouth.
- Cutting Food into Smaller Pieces – Foods that are too big or hard to bite into can place excessive pressure on your jaw and dental implants. Try cutting smaller pieces so that you can avoid wear and tear over time.
- Visiting Your Dentist Regularly – Going to the dental office every six months for checkups and cleanings allows your dentist to check for potential issues early on. Not only can this help you keep your implants healthy, but you can also avoid costly problems from developing.
Things to Avoid After Dental Implant Treatment
Keeping your mouth and smile healthy is the biggest priority for the longevity of your new dental implants. To prevent future issues, here are several things to keep in mind:
- Refrain From Smoking – Smoking and other tobacco products can increase the risk of infection in your gums, which can cause your implants to fail. Quitting the habit would be the best way to avoid future problems.
- Avoid Overindulging in Sticky, Hard, or Gritty Foods – Ice, nuts, and raw veggies can be damaging to your teeth and implants. Sticky foods can also accumulate along your gumline, which can introduce bacteria and lead to plaque buildup if left unchecked. Remember to eat in moderation, avoid biting into tough foods, and keep your teeth clean daily to protect your investment.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools – If you tend to open packages or hold objects with your teeth, you definitely want to drop the habit to protect your smile and dental implants. Though your restorations are strong, they aren’t indestructible. Keep the proper tools handy to avoid harm to your teeth.
Taking care of your dental implants is very much like maintaining your natural pearly whites. Keep the above tips in mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy a stress-free smile for the long run.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Smiles of Dublin, our team is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, lasting smiles. Dr. Eric Buck and Dr. Shaheera Afzal provide expert care in dental implants and a wide range of other services to restore confidence and function to your smile. If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about caring for your implants, we’re here to help. Contact us today or call (614) 792-1800 to schedule your appointment.