Dental implants can last many years and rarely need replacement. Not that they are invulnerable to poor dental health. You are still at risk of gum disease from bacteria and plaque buildup. While dental implants may not decay, the neighboring teeth, gum, and jawbone are still very susceptible to infection, decay, and rot. If this happens, the dental implant may need replacing as part of treating the diseased gum. Here are a few dental hygiene tips to ensure your dental implants last a long time.
Brush Daily and Floss Regularly
Brushing your teeth daily is highly recommended. It removes food debris from your gums and gaps in the teeth. It prevents plaque buildup and denies bacteria a breeding ground. Dental implants can fail if you develop peri-implantitis, which is a type of gum disease. You will have to undergo dental extractions to treat this serious infection. Flossing at least once a day is also recommended to reach where your brush bristles cannot go. Some foods like beef and vegetables leave fibers in the gaps of the teeth. Flossing ensures that gum at the base of dental implants stays clear and healthy.
Avoid Tobacco
Smoking has been linked to poor dental health. The compounds in tobacco stain the teeth and make the mouth's pH levels change. The mouth becomes more acidic than usual, encouraging bacteria to grow. You should avoid chewing tobacco or smoking after getting dental implants to avoid staining them and to help avoid gum disease.
Avoid Sugary Foods
Pastries, sweets, and artificial juices are damaging to your dental health. They form a rich breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to gum disease. Brush your teeth immediately after enjoying sugary foods and beverages.
Avoid too Much Pressure on Dental Implants
You can cause damage to dental implants by applying too much pressure on them. Hard foods like nuts put high pressure on dental implants, making them push on the gum and jawbone. It can cause the jawbone to sink and leave space for disease-causing bacteria.
Go for Regular Dental Checkups
You should keep going for regular dental checkups after getting dental implants. The dentist will assess the condition of your implants and the overall condition of your mouth. Regular dental checkups help catch dental problems before they develop into serious conditions.
Dental implants need good care, even if they are artificial. You will avoid dental gum disease that threatens dental implants. Maintain good dental hygiene and add more years to your dental implants.
