Dental Implants: 3 Steps To Care For Your Implants

If you are prepared to get dental implants, it is crucial to know how to properly maintain them after your treatment is complete. There are additional steps dentists advise you to incorporate into your daily life, even if dental implants do not require special maintenance beyond your regular health regimen. Knowing just how to take care of your smile and dental implants will help ensure the longevity of your investment.

BRUSH AND FLOSS DAILY

The only way to remove the bacterial plaque from your teeth is to brush and floss them every day. Neglecting your dental hygiene causes plaque to harden into tartar and release toxic chemicals that can cause gum disease. Particularly when you have dental implants, poor dental hygiene can result in peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease where bacteria infect the periodontal cells and bone around the implant. To help ensure dental implant success, brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste, and floss daily.

EAT HEALTHY FOODS

Eating a well-balanced diet provides your body and mouth with the nutrients they require to stay healthy, as well as strengthening your immune system. Foods high in minerals and vitamins, proteins, fiber, calcium and low in sugar, carbohydrates, and starches make up a healthy diet. It is also recommended that you limit the amount of hard and sticky foods in your diet to avoid damaging your dental implants. Although unlikely, there is always a chance that eating these kinds of foods can harm your dental implant.

QUIT OR REDUCE SMOKING

Numerous scientific studies offer proof of a connection between smoking and an increased risk for periodontal disease. Pure nicotine in cigarettes weakens the immune system and reduces blood flow to soft tissues in your body. This makes it more difficult for the body to recover from surgery and for the implant and bone to integrate. Additionally, cigarette smoking can burn oral tissues and obstruct salivary glands, increasing the risk of dry mouth and the emergence of gum disease.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Make an appointment with our clinic in Edina, Minnesota, if you are curious about dental implants or you have concerns about your oral health. Dr. Bashar will be able to assist you! Call us at (612) 800-8002.