Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for people who have lost one or more teeth. Unlike dentures, which can slip and slide in your mouth, or bridges, which rely on surrounding teeth for support, dental implants are securely anchored in your jawbone.
4 Tips To Keep Your Dental Implants Healthy
Dental implants require proper care and cleaning to stay healthy and decay-free. Here are some pro tips from our dental experts on how best to take care of your new implants.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
This one should go without saying, but it’s important to brush and floss regularly—at least twice a day—to keep your dental implants (and the rest of your teeth) healthy. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging your implants.
There are also special interdental brushes that can help you clean around the base of your implants where food particles and plaque accumulate. Ask your dentist if they recommend a specific type of interdental brush.
Flossing is often the first thing people stop doing when they start to slack on their oral hygiene, but it’s important to floss at least once a day—preferably before bedtime—to remove food particles and plaque from in between your teeth. If you find traditional floss difficult to use around your implants, there are special flosses available that have a small loop at one end to help you floss more easily.
2. Watch What You Eat and Drink
Just like with your natural teeth, what you eat and drink can impact the health of your dental implants. To avoid staining your implants, try to limit or avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause tooth stains, like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables. If you can’t give up your daily cup of coffee or glass of wine, just be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
3. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
While you don’t have to completely give up hard or sticky foods altogether, it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Biting into hard foods (think: candy bars, ice cubes, etc.) can put unnecessary stress on your dental implants and cause them to break or loosen over time. Sticky foods (like caramel or taffy) can get stuck in the crevices around your implants and lead to cavities or decay. So, while you can still enjoy the occasional treat, be sure to eat hard and sticky foods in moderation.
4. Quit Smoking
If you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products in any form, now is the time to break the habit—for your dental health and overall well-being. Not only does smoking stain your teeth and cause bad breath, but it also increases your risk for gum disease—which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. And we all know that gum disease is particularly dangerous for people with dental implants because it can cause implant failure. So, do yourself a favor and quit smoking for good! It will make a world of difference for your oral health—and your overall health too.
Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth, but they still require proper care if you want them to stay healthy and decay-free. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing regularly; avoiding hard, sticky foods; and quitting smoking altogether. Following these simple tips will help ensure that your new implants stay healthy for years to come!
Dental Implants in Phoenix, AZ
If you’re considering dental implants in Phoenix, AZ, contact the experts at AZ Max. Our skilled and experienced team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals. We offer a wide range of implant dentistry services, including single-tooth implants and All-on-4 implants. Call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to helping you achieve your oral health goals!
