Dental implants are now considered one of the best approaches to improving your smile, whether you have one or multiple missing teeth. They are known to be very durable with proper care. Putting in a little effort can help you develop and maintain an implant care regimen. This blog will discuss how to take care of dental implants after treatment.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are medical devices surgically inserted into the jaw to improve a person’s appearance or ability to chew. They offer support for artificial (fake) teeth, like bridges, crowns, or dentures.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits that are missing in the case of other tooth replacement treatment options. Some of the most prominent advantages of this process have been mentioned in the pointers below:
- It is helpful in restoring your ability to chew
- It helps in improving your appearance
- It prevents the jawbone from shrinking due to the loss of bone
- It preserves the health of the adjacent gums and bone
- It keeps your adjacent teeth stable
What Is The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene For Dental Implants?
Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants are not made of enamel (the outermost layer of human teeth). This implies that you will not suffer from cavities as there is no enamel for the plaque to erode. However, this fact does not nullify the importance of a good oral hygiene routine.
When you neglect your dental health, bacteria in the plaque accumulate close to your gums and cause serious periodontal problems. For example, a common symptom of a dental implant problem is bleeding from the surrounding gum tissues. This condition is known as mucositis.
4 Easy Tips To Take Care Of Your Dental Implants
Dental implant maintenance is not very difficult. All you got to do is take proper care of your mouth.
1. Brushing and flossing are essential
You should brush your teeth twice daily as part of your oral hygiene regimen. It is recommended to use a low-abrasive toothpaste along with a soft-bristle toothbrush. This will gently remove the plaque around your teeth and implants without scratching them, causing any discomfort in the mouth or damaging your gums.
Use an interdental brush for areas where a regular toothbrush cannot reach. This tiny brush has been specifically designed to remove food particles and plaque from between implants and teeth.
You should floss at least once a day in addition to brushing. Even an interdental brush cannot reach certain areas that be cleaned with dental floss. Try floss threaders if you’re having trouble using regular dental floss.
You can also use an antibacterial mouth rinse to complete your oral hygiene routine. This helps to fight against the harmful bacteria present in your mouth. To add, it also strengthens the enamel of your teeth.
2. Use dental implants just to chew food
Dental implants are stronger than your natural teeth since they are usually constructed of titanium. Though, this does not imply that they are impervious to damage.
Dental implants begin to feel more natural with time, leading people to use them for purposes other than eating. This includes biting fingernails, opening bottles, and holding hairpins when both hands are occupied.
You need to realize that dental implants were not intended to be tools (and neither were your natural teeth, for that matter). Therefore, never use dental implants for anything other than chewing if you want them last for a long span.
3. Avoid eating hard food items
You should avoid certain foods to maintain the state of your dental implants. Avoid putting things like popcorn, raw carrots, almonds, potato chips, and hard candies in your mouth if they are difficult to chew.
4. Quit smoking
Avoid tobacco usage if you want to be healthy in general. Long-term tobacco use can have various adverse effects on your mouth and teeth, from gingivitis to severe periodontitis, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. Smoking can drastically slow the healing process following dental implant treatment.
Quitting smoking requires significant lifestyle changes, and it is not simple. For instance, you can avoid certain situations and other triggers. You can also socialize with non-smokers or engage in physical activity to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Now that you know how to take care of your dental implants, incorporate them into your daily routine. Replace your missing teeth easily and witness the best treatment outcome by following these aftercare tips. Schedule a 3D dental implant consultation with our Nashville dentist today.
