Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. However, like natural teeth, dental implants require proper maintenance and care to ensure long-term success and health. In this blog, we will discuss tips for maintaining your dental implants and achieving optimal oral health with Union City, Georgia family dental care.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The first step in maintaining your dental implants is practicing good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash once daily to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.
It is important to use gentle, circular motions when brushing around your dental implants. Be careful not to scrub too hard or use abrasive toothpaste that can damage the implant and surrounding gum tissue.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups are an essential part of maintaining your dental implants. Your dentist will examine your implants and surrounding gum tissue to ensure that they are healthy and functioning properly.
During these check-ups, your dentist may also perform a professional cleaning to remove any plaque or bacteria that may have accumulated on your teeth and implant surfaces.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Eating foods that are too hard or too sticky can cause damage to dental implants and the gums around them. Don’t risk damaging your implants by chewing on ice or candies that are too tough.
Sticky foods, such as caramel and gum, can damage your implants by sticking to the implant surfaces and causing infection.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can harm your dental implant’s long-term success and health. Smoking can lead to gum disease, damaging the implant’s surrounding gum tissue and causing the implant to fail.
If you are a smoker, it is important to quit smoking before undergoing dental implant surgery to improve your chances of success and long-term oral health.
Conclusion
In the event that you are considering getting dental implants or you have already had dental implants placed, you will want to find a family dental practice specializing in implant dentistry if you are considering or have already had dental implants placed. A dental professional with experience in implant dentistry can provide you with the necessary care and guidance to maintain your implants for long-term success and health.
