Dental implants require excellent oral hygiene habits before, during, and after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications. In the absence of proper care, there is a risk of plaque build-up around the dental implant, leading to bleeding gums, gum disease, bone loss, infection, and other problems that can disrupt the healing process.
Temecula Center for Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants provides some quick and easy tips that can be very helpful to create a smile that remains healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Clean Your Teeth Thoroughly
To deal with hard-to-reach areas, you should use a softer brush specifically designed for dental implant patients. Your bristles should be soft enough to clean your implant gently. Ideally, you should brush for five minutes in order to remove any plaque.
Be Sure To Floss Frequently
Cleaning your teeth with floss can get rid of any plaque left behind or stuck between. To eliminate food particles and plaque, make sure you floss at least once a day. Make sure you do it with care because you want to avoid damaging your teeth, implants, or gums.
Be Wary Of Abrasive Products
Regardless of the kind of toothpaste or mouthwash you use, you want to make sure to use sensitive cleaning products as much as possible when you get your dental implants. You should be cautious when using products that are too abrasive as they may cause severe discomfort. Additionally, you should steer clear of oral hygiene products with strong flavors, such as mint or cinnamon, as these could cause discomfort.
Eat Only Soft Foods
In some cases, hard foods can damage implants or even neighboring teeth according to this professional dentist in Oxnard. Eat soft and chewy foods to avoid damaging the implant structure. You should stay away from sweets like chocolate, caramel, or hard candy.
Don’t Smoke Or Drink
Smoking and drinking can hurt the health of dental implants, especially in the initial six months as the implant heals, but it can also affect them moving forward. This can adversely affect dental implants because it reduces the blood supply to our gums, teeth, and bone. The healing process of dental implants can also be slowed by too much alcohol consumption.
Make Sure You Visit The Dentist Regularly
You should visit your dentist regularly, or at least twice a year, but preferably more if you have frequent dental problems. Having your dental implant checked on a regular basis can benefit both your oral health and the implant.
In an ideal world, dental implants should last a lifetime if properly maintained. It is never too late to start with proper care. Schedule a checkup with your dentist, and let them guide you through the process of properly maintaining your dental implants and oral hygiene.
Good and regular care is key to preserving the implants for years to come, and the more effort you put in the better the results will be.
What To Avoid
The implants are designed to sustain a lot of damage and provide a strong shield against wear and tear still, there are many unfortunate shortcuts that can significantly reduce the span of your implant.
There are certain bad habits that can severely damage the implant and should be avoided by all means. You should avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or bubblegum. Some people like to put pencils in their mouth and chew, this is a big no-no. Dentists recommend using a nightguard if you are prone to grind your teeth during your sleep.
