How Do I Care For My Dental Implants

As you age, sometimes your teeth may not look as good as they once did. This is because the chewing surfaces of your teeth might start to wear and tear, which can lead to tooth decay. In addition, there can be too much plaque buildup on the chewing surfaces or even a cavity. You may need dental implants that are stronger, more beautiful and offer a new bite with more stability. However, according to the Facial & Oral Surgery Institute, if you don’t take care of your dental implants with regular visits to the dentist, they may not last as long, and may even need replacement after some time. Follow these tips to ensure that your dental implants last a long time.

Use A Soft Nylon Brush To Brush Your Teeth

After every meal or snack, use a soft nylon brush to brush your teeth gently. Brushing with too much pressure can cause the gums to recede and create more space between the gum line and the teeth. This space can cause food to collect, which can lead to cavities. Also, make sure you avoid brushes with bristles that are too hard because they can damage your gums and make them sensitive.

Use Mouthwash To Keep Your Teeth Clean

After brushing your teeth with a soft nylon brush, use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse them out. Your dentist may also recommend using a chlorhexidine mouthwash at least twice per day.  Never allow blood, plaque, or food to get into the implant caps around your implants or onto the gums.

Avoid Abrasive Products

Many kinds of toothpaste contain an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate. This ingredient is a detergent that helps remove plaque buildup on the teeth. However, using toothpaste with this ingredient can irritate the gums and make them sore or sensitive over time. Therefore, before buying toothpaste, make sure it contains natural ingredients such as calcium carbonate and silica.

Floss Daily

It is important to floss your teeth daily. You get the most effective cleaning when you use nylon floss that covers all the surfaces on the teeth. This includes the gum line, upper and lower cheeks, and between the teeth.  Also, make sure you use dental floss in a way that does not cause any pain to your gums or implants. Finally, make sure you use long enough strands of dental floss so that they go all-around your mouth without getting caught on your teeth or implant cap.

Avoid Certain Foods

Chewing hard food can damage the gum area where your teeth are implanted, and buildup plaque that has built up there can make a hole in your tooth. Also, check with your dentist about avoiding foods with seasonings like onions, garlic, and spices that can irritate the gums and cause bleeding or sores. Also, avoid too hot drinks and carbonated drinks for 3-4 days after your dental implant procedure.

Use Correct Bite Pattern

After eating, chew foods slowly, without creating much pressure, when you bite them down into smaller pieces. This will help keep the gums from receding between your teeth and implants and help control how much plaque builds up in those areas. Also, when you chew, make sure you don’t clench your teeth, or too much of the biting force is coming from one area of the tooth or implant. This can lead to tooth damage, and it can cause a gap to appear between the implant and gum.

Visit The Dentist Regularly

If you are fortunate enough not to have any cavities and take good care of your implants, they could last for up to twenty-five years or longer. However, it is important that you visit your dentist at least two times per year for a dental implant revision. A dental implant revision involves removing existing dental implants and replacing them with new ones. This will also help detect any decay or other problems that might occur so you can respond immediately.

Dental Implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth, and they can be very durable. However, it is important that you take care of them to last as long as possible. Following these tips will help you have the best possible care for your dental implants, and they will last a long time for the rest of your life and help your smile look better than it has in years.