Whether you’ve already gotten your dental implants or you’re still considering them, a common question dentists receive is, “how do I care for them?” Maybe memories of the laundry list of what not to eat with braces has got you worried, or maybe you’re just plain curious. Whatever your motivation is for asking the question, we’ve got the answers, and they’re not as complicated as you might think.
Properly caring for your dental implants is as simple as properly caring for your teeth. Inflammation caused by advanced gum disease is the number one enemy of dental implants, and considering that gum disease also increases your chances of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, there are plenty of reasons avoid it.
If you’re new to dental implants or hoping to be, here’s a quick guide to proper care.
Quit Smoking
You might have already seen our earlier blog on why you should quit, but it’s worth repeating. Smoking regularly can increase your chances of developing gum disease by 50 percent compared to non-smokers. Gum disease is an infection caused by an overload of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can be aggravated by nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes. Additionally, smoking can make it more difficult for you body to heal after the dental implant procedure.
Brush Correctly
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to protecting your dental implants. To do this, brushing is a must. More so: brushing correctly. The American Dental Association suggests brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes, yet many fall short of this time period. Next time you brush, try setting a timer to ensure you’re giving yourself enough time. Try to brush at a forty-five degree angle toward your gums, and try not to brush too hard. Plaque is as soft yogurt, and will come away without too much effort.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid gum disease, yet many skip it altogether. The most dangerous plaque is the stuff that becomes lodged in hard to reach places such as below the gum line. Here, it’s allowed to grow, eventually contaminating your mouth. When you floss, make sure to dip below the gum line on both sides of each tooth.
Dental implants are an incredibly safe and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Not only do they carry a 95 percent success rate, but when they’ve been properly cared for, they can last a lifetime.
If you’ve been considering dental implants for awhile, get a consultation set up today. Please call 940-322-2252 or contact us today for an appointment with an Wichita Falls implant dentist at StarImage Dentistry.
