It can be devastating to have to face the issue of missing teeth, especially if it is an adult tooth with no replacement. Fortunately, dental implants are a popular and trustworthy solution to this issue. Not only do they have your smile looking full and dazzling once more, but they also provide stability and functionality to your other natural teeth.
However, just like your natural teeth need constant upkeep to maintain their shine and health, so do dental implants. Despite the fact they are not naturally occurring, they still require proper maintenance to ensure their durability and your overall oral health. That is why this article will delve into the essential tips and best practices for maintaining your dental implants.
Understanding Dental Implants
Before we get into the intricacies of implant maintenance, we should briefly introduce just what professional dental implants are. The implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that is made of titanium before being surgically inserted into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Once they have organically fused to the bone, this implant then serves as a foundation for artificial teeth to be inserted, This is usually in the form of crowns and/or bridges that are permanently attached, rather than removable like dentures.
Dental Implant Maintenance
Now we know the basics of a dental implant, it is time to get into just how to maintain this foundational piece of dentistry. Without proper care and hygiene practices, implants can become a source of discomfort for those living with them. This is not just because of health issues, but also because poorly maintained implants can become a point of self-consciousness and affect confidence.
Overcoming insecurities and taking care of your oral health is why the following maintenance practices should become a regular habit.
Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Just like with your natural teeth and gums, maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to the health of your dental implants. Much like their natural counterparts, implants can also build up plaque and develop conditions such as gum disease when not cared for properly.
Hence, a daily oral hygiene routine should be followed to ensure that not only your implants remain clean, but also support your overall oral health. Here is a simple yet reliable daily routine to follow:
- Brushing: Twice a day your teeth should be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. To prevent gum irritation, be gentle when brushing around the implant area.
- Flossing: To help remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and around the implant, daily floss is recommended. A gentle, back-and-forth motion should be used to ensure targeted areas are fully cleaned.
- Rinsing: Once your cleaning routine has finished, cap it off with an antimicrobial mouthwash rinse. This will help maintain a clean environment within your mouth and reduce the growth of bacteria. There are mouthwashes out there that are designed specifically for dental implants.
With this daily routine of teeth and gum cleaning, your implant is fully supported to integrate and improve your smile without any fear of the effects of plaque or bacteria buildup.
Regular Dental Checkups
Cleaning your dental implant at home can help maintain its well-being, but it is guaranteed with regular professional upkeep. Integrating a regular dental checkup into your yearly schedule can help with the monitoring of your dental implant and overall oral health.
During a checkup, your dentist will be sure to carefully examine your implants, gums, and surrounding teeth to make sure everything is in the best possible condition. Professional cleaning is also included in these checkups, clearing away any plaque or tartar buildup that may have developed around your implant and teeth.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Your oral health is not just impacted and boosted by hygiene practices. Ensuring your lifestyle habits are healthy can contribute to the longevity of dental implants. Some of the more notable habits to aim for include:
- Avoid Smoking: A smoking habit does not just risk your lungs’ health, it can also affect your oral health and increase the risk of implant failure. That is because smoking impairs the body’s natural healing due to it compromising the immune system. If you have received a dental implant it is best to consider quitting to give your dental implants the highest rate of success possible.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Regular intake of key nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can support your body’s abilities and promote healing and oral health. These two benefits are crucial after an implant surgery so be sure to incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products into your diet.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Along with eating foods high in nutrients, your diet after a dental implant should also be altered to reduce sugar intake. This is because sugary snacks and beverages in excess can accelerate tooth decay and gum disease. These conditions can compromise the stability of dental implants, so keep your intake as low as possible.
Protecting Your Dental Implants
Dedicated maintenance of dental implants can ensure their longevity while also aiding in your overall oral health. However, it is just as integral to protect this piece of dentistry as they can still be damaged by targeted trauma or excessive force.
To prevent any damage from being incurred on your implants, consider the following:
- Wear a Mouthguard: For those who participate in contact sports or activities that may result in a mouth injury, consider wearing a mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard can protect all of your teeth and any accompanying implants from force damage.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: While this tip is especially critical during the implant healing process, it is generally advisable to not bite down on hard objects to protect your teeth. Habits of biting down on objects like ice, pens, or fingernails can cause fractures or damage to your dental implants.
- Practice Good Oral Habits: On top of practicing good oral hygiene, ensuring your habits around your mouth are also positive can also help your dental implants heal well. For example, try not to grind or clench your teeth as they can put undue stress on your implants and surrounding teeth. If you are having difficulty suppressing these habits at night, speak to your dentist about wearing a nightguard for protection.
Monitoring Implant Health
To help protect your dental implant, it is important to begin developing a habit of monitoring the implant’s health. Keep an eye out for any changes or new symptoms around your implant that may indicate a building problem.
If you are experiencing swelling, persistent pain, or discomfort around the implant site, immediately call your dentist for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment of implant-related issues are crucial for preserving their function and longevity.
Maintaining Your Dental Implant is Maintaining Your Oral Health
Ultimately, dental implants are a desirable and long-term solution for those missing teeth who want to restore their smile. However, their success is only guaranteed when your oral health is properly maintained and the implant is protected. Follow the tips and practices outlined in this article to enjoy a beautiful smile and optimal oral health for years to come!
