Dental implants are a remarkable solution for patients with missing teeth seeking to restore their smile and oral function. To ensure the longevity of these artificial teeth, it's crucial to understand how to properly care for them. Below, we share tips for preserving your dental implants and prolonging their longevity!
Daily Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine is critical for a mouth with dental implants or natural teeth. Brush your dental implants, surrounding natural teeth, and gums at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes each time. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and floss!
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental checkups and cleanings help keep your natural teeth, gums, and jawbone healthy. Healthy tissues are necessary to keep your dental implants firmly anchored. These appointments allow our team to remove any accumulated plaque or tartar, assess the health of your gums, and monitor the condition of your implants. With regular care, we can catch and address potential issues before they become major problems.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
Dental implants are remarkably sturdy, but they are not indestructible. While they can withstand normal chewing and biting forces, be cautious with very hard or sticky foods. Avoid biting on ice, hard candies, and non-food items like pens, as these can damage your implants and the restorations attached to them.
Limit Alcohol & Avoid Tobacco
Heavy alcohol consumption can compromise the integrity of dental implants. Tobacco use is detrimental to your overall health, and increases the risk of dental implant failure and complications.
Protect Against Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or bruxism can pose a risk to dental implants by putting excessive force on the artificial teeth and surrounding structures. If you grind your teeth, be sure to wear a nightguard, which can help protect your dental implants while you sleep.
Maintain Your Smile with Our Dentist in Chattanooga, TN
Proper care and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your dental implants for as long as possible. At Bridge Dental Care, Dr. Modi and our team can help you maintain your natural teeth and any restorations with our comprehensive dentistry services and personalized tips. If you have any concerns or questions about your smile, please contact us to schedule an appointment.