If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant can be a great replacement option. Implants look and feel like natural teeth, so you can smile and chew with confidence. They are also a good choice for people who have lost teeth due to decay, injury, or gum disease.
Dental implants are a practical way to improve your smile, but it’s essential to take care of them to keep them looking their best. Learning how to clean your implants properly will help them last longer and stay looking great. Here are care steps you can take for your dental implants:
Avoid Using Hard Bristles
You should avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes as they can damage the enamel on your teeth. Hard bristles can also scratch the surface of dental implants, causing irreversible damage.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush after dental implants is vital to avoid damage. These brushes have pliable and gentle bristles that won’t damage your implants.
Floss Regularly
Flossing is an integral part of oral hygiene because it helps remove food particles and plaque accumulating between the teeth. Brushing alone cannot remove all of the plaque and food particles, so flossing is necessary to help keep the teeth and gums healthy.
If you have dental implants, you must be extra vigilant about flossing. Plaque can quickly build up around implants, which can lead to problems for your oral health. It’s important to use a type of floss that is safe for dental implants. You should floss daily with unwaxed tape or another kind designed specifically for implants.
Pay Attention to Your Oral Hygiene
Keeping up with your oral hygiene even after getting dental implants is essential. A soft-bristled toothbrush, sensitive toothpaste, non-alcoholic mouthwash, and implant-specific floss are all items that you definitely need to have.
Baking soda, bleach, and chlorine cleansers should be avoided as they can weaken or permanently damage your implants. We also recommend avoiding any intensely flavored oral hygiene products to prevent discomfort.
Skip Hard and Sticky Foods
You should avoid hard and sticky foods as they can damage your implants or cause plaque to build up around them. This includes hard candies, chips, crusty bread, caramel, dried fruits, and so on.
Minimize Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol consumption can cause tooth decay by promoting the growth of bacteria in the mouth. However, it can also be problematic for people with dental implants as it can cause inflammation and bone loss. It is not recommended to drink alcohol for the first six months after getting dental implants. This is because alcohol can also interfere with the healing process and cause complications.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is detrimental to your oral health in many ways. Firstly, it increases your risk of developing tooth decay, as the nicotine in cigarettes can damage the enamel on your teeth. Secondly, smoking also puts you at greater risk of developing gum disease, as the bacteria in your mouth thrive in the moist environment created by the smoke.
When you smoke, it dramatically slows down the healing process for dental implants. Smoking weakens and inflames the gums around the implant. Moreover, smoking will also stain your new implants.
Schedule Dental Checkups
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly to keep your mouth healthy. Dentists can help remove plaque and tartar, and they can also identify problems early on. Your dentist will check to see if there are any signs of infection or damage around your implants.
Takeaway
Dental implants help provide a more natural-looking smile. They are also more durable and long-lasting than other options, such as dentures. However, taking care of your dental implants is crucial to ensure they stay in good condition.
For the best dental clinic in Manassas, turn to Manassas Smiles. We offer complete dental care services like cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or gum disease treatment under one roof. Schedule an appointment with us!
