Dental implants are a great option for people who are missing teeth. They are made of titanium and look like natural teeth. They are also permanent, which means that you will not have to worry about them falling out or becoming loose. However, in order to keep your dental implants looking and feeling their best, you need to take care of them! In this blog post, we will discuss how to care for dental implants so that you can keep them healthy and beautiful for years to come!
Use a Soft Nylon Brush
One of the most important aspects of dental implant care is cleansing. In order to remove plaque and debris, it is important to use a soft nylon brush. This type of brush is designed to be gentle on dental implants, and it will not damage the titanium posts or the surrounding gum tissue.
In addition, using a soft nylon brush can help to prevent the buildup of calculus, which can lead to implant failure. While it is important to use a soft nylon brush, it is also essential to avoid using toothpaste with abrasives.
These ingredients can damage the delicate surface of dental implants and lead to premature wear. To use a soft nylon brush correctly, be sure to use gentle circular motions. Do not scrub back and forth, as this can damage the implant surface.
Avoid Abrasive Products
Another important aspect of dental implant care is avoiding abrasive products. Abrasive products can damage the titanium surface of dental implants and lead to premature wear. Here are some common abrasive products that you should avoid:
- Toothpaste with baking soda or other abrasives
- Mouthwash with alcohol or other harsh chemicals
- Whitening strips or gels
- Floss with nylon bristles
If you are unsure whether a product is safe to use on dental implants, be sure to ask your dentist.
Floss Daily
In order to remove plaque and debris from in between dental implants, it is important to floss on a daily basis.
When you floss around an implant, use a gentle back-and-forth motion rather than a sawing motion. You should also be careful not to floss too tightly, as this can damage the implant or cause it to become loose.
This is why using an implant-specific flosser is often recommended. These flossers have a small brush head that is designed to clean around implants without damaging them.
Avoid Sticky/Hard Foods
One of the best ways to take care of your dental implants is to avoid sticky and hard foods. Sticky foods can easily become lodged in between your teeth and around your implant, while hard foods can put pressure on your implant and cause it to become loose. Instead, try to stick to softer foods that are easy to chew. This will help to keep your implant clean and free from food particles. In addition, be sure to brush and floss regularly to remove any plaque or food debris that may have collected around your implant.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
It’s no secret that smoking and alcohol are bad for your health. But did you know that they can also damage your dental implants?
Both of these habits can contribute to gum disease, which can damage the tissues around your implants and cause them to fail. Additionally, tobacco use can also lead to staining and discoloration of your implants, making them more difficult to clean and care for. Not to mention, the chemicals in cigarettes and alcohol can also damage the titanium surface of your implants.
So if you want to keep your dental implants healthy and beautiful, it’s best to avoid smoking and drinking altogether.
Schedule Regular Visits to the Dentist
Last but not least, one of the best ways to take care of your dental implants is to schedule regular visits to the dentist. These appointments give your dentist a chance to check on the health of your implants and make sure that they are still in good condition.
Additionally, regular cleanings can help to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up around your implants. This can help to prevent gum disease and implant failure. So be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
Wrapping it up
Taking care of your dental implants is important if you want them to last. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your implants healthy and beautiful for years to come. Nowj