Caring for dental implants is just as important as caring for your natural teeth. While dental implants do not get cavities the way natural teeth do, they are still vulnerable to wear and tear, along with other potential problems. Dental implants are a significant investment, and proper care will keep them sparkling and healthy for a lifetime.
Get into the swing of oral hygiene
Proper flossing and brushing keeps your dental implants clean and strong, just like natural teeth. Antibacterial mouth rinses are also important—especially immediately after you get your implants, when the area is still sensitive. Keep a few things in mind as you go through your regular dental hygiene routine:
- Floss between your dental implants just as you would with natural teeth. Flossing keeps your gums healthy and removes plaque-causing bacteria that can live in the spaces between dental implants.
- Use special interdental toothbrushes to clean the hard-to-reach places between each dental implant. Regular toothbrushes have a hard time reaching interdental spaces, sometimes leaving plaque behind.
- Brush with antibacterial toothpaste to continue killing bacteria throughout the day. Read the details on the back of the package when you buy toothpaste to see if it contains antibacterial ingredients.
Dental implants are more susceptible to plaque than natural teeth, which makes good oral hygiene all the more important. Inadequate oral care can cause harmful levels of bacteria to build up on the surface of implants, leading to gum inflammation and, in serious cases, bone loss around the implant, which may result in peri-implantitis.
Put out the cigarette
Smoking has many potentially harmful effects on your health, and it’s also one of the biggest threats to your dental implants. Smokers are at high risk for dental implant complications, so if you ever needed another reason to quit, this is it.
Perform maintenance today for a brighter smile tomorrow
How often you need to visit the dentist depends on many factors. With dental implants, making regular trips is more important than ever. A dentist can check and professionally clean your implants, particularly the areas that are difficult to reach at home. Regular visits to the dentist are also important because potential complications with your dental implants, such as mucositis and peri-implantitis, can sometimes develop without noticeable symptoms.
Despite their special care requirements, dental implants are highly effective, with a success rate well over 95 percent, according to Dear Doctor. Knowing how to care for dental implants will allow you to keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come.
