Dental implants are a great way to restore your smile or your dental health by replacing decayed, broken, or missing teeth with implants that will make your mouth whole again. But if you want your dental implants to last for a long time, as well as ensure that your remaining natural teeth stay in good condition, you'll have to be more conscious of your oral care routine and your eating habits from now on. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Stay Away From Hard Foods
While you can eat a piece of hard candy or two in moderation, you will want to avoid chomping down on extra hard foods or substances like ice. These hard foods are not only bad for your remaining natural teeth—they can also cause damage to your dental implants if you are not careful. Every time you bite down on something especially hard, you might be weakening your tooth enamel or the surface of the dental implant. If this happens too often, you could end up with another broken tooth or need to repair or replace an implant.
Continue Brushing and Flossing
One misconception about having multiple dental implants in your mouth is that you don't have to worry about brushing or flossing that part of your mouth anymore. But actually, your dental implants require regular cleaning just like your remaining natural teeth. Also, keep in mind that brushing and flossing help your gums as well, including the gums around your implant. Continue brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day, or follow whatever specific routine your dentist suggests.
Talk to Your Dentist About Your Toothpaste or Other Oral Care Products
While it's important to stick to your routine of regular brushing, keep in mind that some implant types don't mix well with certain types of toothpaste or other oral care products. For example, porcelain implants might end up getting scratched or otherwise damaged if you are using a toothpaste with baking soda in it. Talk to the dentist that installed your implants about any changes you need to make in the dental products you use.
Treat Your Dental Implants Like Real Teeth
For best results with dental implants, use caution and care while eating and follow a regular checkup schedule with your local dentist. You'll be able to keep your implants in good condition and prevent additional decay to your remaining natural teeth.
For more information on dental implants, contact a local dentist.
