Are you missing one or more teeth? Tooth loss is a common issue among Americans, impacting their daily lives and confidence. Luckily, dental implants are a reliable solution for restoring both function and appearance. While designed to last a lifetime, proper care is essential to maintaining their longevity. Read on to learn which habits you should avoid to keep your newly restored smile in top shape.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Use
It’s well-known that smoking and tobacco use negatively affect overall health, but they can be just as harmful to dental implants. These habits can slow the healing process and significantly increase the risk of infections and oral cancer. Research indicates that smokers are two to three times more likely to experience implant failure than non-smokers. Quitting tobacco can significantly improve your oral health and the success of your implants.
Don’t Neglect Flossing
Although dental implants won’t develop cavities, maintaining good oral hygiene is still crucial. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash help prevent infections. Flossing, in particular, removes debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline, reducing the risk of periodontal disease – the leading cause of implant failure. Keeping your gums healthy is key to preserving your implants.
Avoid Chewing on Non-Food Items
While dental implants are strong, they are not meant to endure excessive force from chewing on non-food items like fingernails, ice, or pen caps. Biting these objects can damage both implants and natural teeth while introducing harmful bacteria into your mouth. To break this habit, consider chewing sugar-free gum instead.
Never Use Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or perform other tasks can place excessive strain on your dental implants and even damage your jawbone. Instead of risking injury, use the appropriate tools or ask for assistance when needed.
Keep Up with Regular Dental Checkups
Maintaining a beautiful, functional smile requires more than just good home care. Visiting your dentist every six months allows for professional cleanings and early detection of potential issues. These preventive visits help ensure the long-term success of your implants by addressing concerns before they become serious problems.
Once you’ve invested in a strong, confident smile, it’s important to protect it for life. By avoiding these bad habits, you can ensure your dental implants remain in excellent condition for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Clark Julian has helped countless patients regain their confidence by replacing their missing teeth with dental implants. To ensure your new smile lasts a lifetime, he’ll provide you with must-know tips and tricks. If you have any questions about the habits you should avoid, visit his website or call (480) 790-7717.