5 Essential Tips for Taking Care of Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent solution for elderly patients who are missing teeth. The implants look and feel like natural teeth, and they are a long-term solution that can last a lifetime. However, dental implants require proper care and maintenance to keep them healthy over time.
Here's a look at five essential tips for taking care of your dental implants to make sure they last as long as possible.
Brush and Floss Regularly
It is important to brush and floss your dental implants at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing help remove bacteria and plaque buildup around the implants, which can cause inflammation and infection. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss to clean around the implant, and avoid using a hard toothbrush, as this can damage the implant.
Regular Dental Checkups
Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your dental implants are healthy. During your dental checkup, your dentist will check your dental implants and examine your gum tissue to make sure that they are healthy. Regular visits to the dentist can help detect any issues related to your dental implants early on, which can prevent further damage.
Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods
Avoid eating hard and chewy foods to prevent damage to your dental implants. Hard and chewy foods can cause damage to the implant itself and the abutment that holds the implant in place. Foods such as nuts, candy, and ice should be avoided as they can cause the implant to break or fracture.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can significantly increase the risk of implant failure. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, which makes it difficult for the body to heal after implant surgery. Smokers are more likely to experience implant failure than non-smokers. If you smoke, consider quitting to help improve your implant's longevity.
Use a Water Flosser
A water flosser is an excellent tool for cleaning your dental implants. Water flossers shoot a stream of water between teeth and implants, flushing out food particles and debris that may be stuck. Water flossers are especially helpful for people with implant-supported bridges or dentures because they can reach deeper areas of the mouth that are difficult to clean with traditional floss.
Dental implants are a significant investment, and they require proper care and maintenance to last a lifetime. Brush and floss regularly, visit your dentist regularly, avoid hard and chewy foods, quit smoking, and use a water flosser. Following these five essential tips will help you maintain healthy dental implants, and they will help you enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile for years to come.
If you have additional questions about caring for dental implants, reach out to your dentist.
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