5 Care Tips for Your Dental Implants
1. Brush all teeth thoroughly twice a day
There are special toothbrushes available that have been specifically designed to be used by patients who have dental implants. These toothbrushes are able to reach areas regular toothbrushes cannot, so highly recommended. Brushing between 2 and 3 minutes is ideal in order to properly remove any plaque that may be trying to form on the teeth.
2. Floss at least once a day
Floss at least once a day; after every meal is even better. The only way to get rid of any food particles stuck in between teeth is to gently use quality dental floss. If these food particles are not removed, the bacteria that leads to cavities will start to form. Using care when flossing teeth is recommended in order to avoid tooth or gum damage.
3. Avoid eating any hard or sticky foods
Choosing to eat hard foods can lead to the breakage of teeth, which could potentially lead to needing more dental implants. Eating hard or sticky foods can also compromise the structure of the dental implant, potentially making it weaker. Examples of hard or sticky foods include hard candy, caramel, peanuts, and dried fruits.
4. Avoid smoking or drinking too much alcohol
Smoking not only delays the healing process, it can also weaken the bone structure that is a large part of good oral health. While enjoying an occasional alcoholic beverage tends to be fine, drinking too much alcohol can lead to tooth sensitivity, potentially causing oral pain.
5. Make regular dental appointments
Seeing a dentist on a regular basis is one of the best ways to make sure any and all dental implants are doing the job they are supposed to do. Any questions about personal implant placement should be asked at the next dental appointment.