Having a complete set of teeth yields many benefits. A perfect smile and fluency while speaking are privileges you will have when you have all your teeth in place. Therefore, you should embrace healthy measures to maintain your oral health. Unfortunately, in a world of uncertainties, you may encounter accidents that could lead to permanent tooth loss. Missing one or a set of teeth will undermine your aesthetic smile and hinder your chewing capacities. In that case, you should consider general dentistry Jamison PA services, such as dental implants, to replace your missing tooth. After dental implant treatments, here are tips to help you care for implanted teeth.
Practice Oral Hygiene Practices
Some patients think that brushing is unnecessary after getting dental implants. However, continuing with normal brushing twice daily is necessary to alleviate food remains. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching dental implants. Flossing your teeth at least once daily is also necessary to remove food debris in the areas where the toothbrush may not reach. Use implant-friendly floss devices such as unwaxed tape.
Eat Mindfully
Unlike dentures, dental implants cannot dislodge when eating. However, certain food choices can interfere with the success of dental implants. For example, hard meals such as candies can damage the surface of implants. Additionally, hot food products like soup can distort the shape of dental implants. Therefore, you should limit the intake of these meals for your implants to continue serving you for a significant time.
Stop Smoking
Smoking should never be your ally, even beyond the dental implant treatment context. Notably, cigarette toxins narrow the blood vessels reducing the blood flow to your gums. This instance reduces the capacity of the dental implant to fuse with the jaw bone. Further, smoking can stain your dental implants, thus reducing their pearly appearance. If you smoke, this is the best time to talk with your health provider about the necessary steps for quitting the habit.
Avoid Damaging Habits
Do you bite your nails? Do you open the bottle cork with your teeth? People conduct these harmful behaviors out of neglect without knowing the harm they cause to their teeth. These damaging habits usually put excessive pressure on your teeth, breaking the surface of your teeth. While implants are strong, they may not withstand this excessive force over time. Therefore, it would help to turn from those unhealthy habits to keep your implants in good shape.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
At-home oral hygiene practices are crucial in maintaining oral health. However, they do not alleviate all the food in your teeth and implants. Over time, you stand a chance of tartar build, which triggers gum inflammation and peri-implantitis. Visiting your dentist at least twice annually can help minimize those concerns through deep dental cleanings. Your dentist will also check whether you have any abnormalities in your implanted teeth.
Missing one or the set of teeth is the last thing that you will want to have. With permanent teeth loss, it becomes difficult to chew, thus hindering you from enjoying your favorite meal. The good news is that dental implant treatments can help you replace the missing tooth, thus reclaiming the quality of your life. Good care for dental implants will boost their longevity in serving you. For example, you should brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush to maintain dental implant shiny surfaces. Quitting the smoking habit is also crucial for the implants to fuse with the jaw effectively.