Dental implants are a great way to restore your smile and your dental health. However, caring for them properly is essential if you want them to last. Here are some tips to help you care for your dental implants.
Daily Maintenance for Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants on a daily basis is crucial to prevent any complications and maintain a healthy smile. Four important steps you should incorporate into your oral hygiene routine include:
Brushing
Brushing your teeth, including your dental implants, should be done at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a low-abrasive toothpaste to gently clean all surfaces of your teeth and implants.
Avoid using hard-bristled brushes or abrasive toothpaste, as they can scratch the surface of your implants. Be thorough in your brushing technique, paying attention to all areas of your mouth, including the gum line around your implants.
Flossing
Flossing is just as important for dental implants as it is for natural teeth. Use an implant-friendly floss or unwaxed tape to clean between your teeth and implants. This will help remove plaque and food particles that may accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.
Consider using floss threaders if you find it difficult to maneuver regular dental floss around your implants. Make sure to floss daily to maintain optimal oral health.
Mouthwash
Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can help eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath. Choose a non-alcoholic mouthwash to avoid drying out your mouth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with the mouthwash after brushing and flossing to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Avoiding Harmful Habits
Certain habits can be detrimental to your dental implants. Avoid using your implants as tools to open bottles, bite your nails, or hold objects. Dental implants are designed for chewing food and should not be subjected to excessive force or pressure.
Additionally, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these habits can negatively impact the healing process and overall health of your implants.
Long-Term Care for Dental Implants
While daily maintenance is crucial, long-term care is equally important for the success of your dental implants. Here are four more tips to ensure the longevity of your implants:
Follow a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is not only beneficial for your overall health but also for the health of your dental implants. Avoid hard and sticky foods that can potentially damage your implants or cause them to become dislodged.
Some examples of foods to avoid include ice, hard candies, hard-shell tacos, potato chips, and caramel. Opt for softer and healthier options that are easier to chew, such as cooked vegetables, lean proteins, and soft fruits.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Schedule regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist will monitor the health of your implants, gums, and overall oral health.
Regular cleanings will help remove any hardened plaque (tartar) that cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing. Early detection of any issues can prevent further complications and ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.
Consider a Mouth Guard
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, consider wearing a custom mouth guard. Teeth grinding can put excessive pressure on your dental implants and lead to damage. A mouth guard will help protect your implants and prevent any potential complications.
Follow Doctor’s Instructions
Your doctor will give you additional instructions on what to do after your implant surgery. Make sure to follow them. You can also read up on resources to give you an idea of what to do while waiting for your teeth to heal and potential problems that might occur.
What To Do If…
You Experience Discomfort or Pain
Discomfort or pain around your dental implants can be a sign of an underlying issue. If you experience persistent discomfort or pain, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation. They will be able to determine the cause of the discomfort and provide appropriate treatment.
Your Implants Feel Loose
If you notice that your dental implants feel loose or unstable, it is important to seek immediate professional help. Loosening of implants can be a sign of implant failure or other complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the situation and recommend the necessary steps to address the issue.
Takeaway
Taking care of your dental implants requires a bit of extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. With regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings, proper oral hygiene at home, and avoiding certain foods or habits that can damage them, you’ll be able to enjoy healthy teeth that look and feel like natural ones.
At Green Valley Oral Surgery, we understand the importance of personalized, gentle, and comprehensive patient care. Whether you have questions about dental implant maintenance, need post-surgery guidance, or require professional assistance, we are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.