Guide to Maintaining Your Dental Implants

Having dental implants is an investment in your oral health and well-being. They are a long-term solution to missing teeth that can help improve your quality of life. However, to ensure that your dental implants stay healthy and in good condition, proper maintenance is key. This guide shares some tips on how to maintain your dental implants and keep them looking and feeling great for years to come.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

One of the best ways to maintain your dental implants is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss daily to remove any food particles that may get stuck in between your teeth and implant. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to rinse your mouth to help prevent any infection from developing.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Chewing on hard foods or sticky candies can damage your dental implants. They can cause chips, cracks, or breaks on the implant’s crown or other parts. Whenever you're eating, try to avoid biting down on hard foods and opt for softer options, such as fruit and vegetables. Sticky and chewy food, especially candy, could easily break the implant, so it's best to avoid these types of food.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental check-up at least once a year is essential to maintain your dental implants in good condition. Your dental care provider can keep an eye on your implant and the surrounding teeth, check the implant for any signs of wear and tear, and recommend the necessary treatment needed to fix any issues early on before they become a bigger problem.

Use Special Care Tools

To maintain your dental implants, you should consider using special care tools such as interdental brushes or a water flosser. These tools are specifically designed to clean around your implant and remove any plaque or bacteria buildup that a regular toothbrush or floss cannot reach.

Protect Your Implants

Try to avoid using your teeth as tools, and never use them to open bottles or bite on hard objects. This type of behavior can compromise the implant, causing damage and chips. It’s best to use a protective mouthguard if you’re playing contact sports to protect the implant and surrounding teeth from any impact or trauma.

Your dental implant can last a long time if you take good care of it. Even though implants don't decay, they still require regular maintenance and attention to ensure their longevity. Always remember to practice good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental visits, and avoid hard or sticky foods. Using special care tools and protecting your implants from any detrimental actions will keep them looking and feeling great for years to come. Contact your dentist for more information about dental implants.