6 Ways To Care For Your Dental Implants

Posted on: 10 October 2022

Dental implants last a lifetime if you take care of them. The same is true for natural teeth. In fact, caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. However, there are some important differences between dental implants and natural teeth.

To ensure the longevity of your dental implants, use the following dental tips when caring for your dental implants.

1. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste

Abrasive toothpastes are designed to remove stains from teeth. But while you can safely use toothpaste that contains abrasives for dental implants once or twice a week, brushing with abrasive toothpaste may damage your dental implants. This damage occurs on the surface of the dental crowns and on the cement holding the crowns in place.

Use non-abrasive toothpaste for the most part.

2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

Don't use hard-bristled toothbrushes when brushing your dental implants. The hard bristles can damage the surface of the dental crowns of your implants. And hard-bristled toothbrushes can also damage the gum tissue around your dental implants, leading to gum recession, which will expose the titanium posts in your jawbone. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

3. Use floss designed for dental implants

You can purchase floss that is specifically designed for dental implants and prostheses that use dental implants, such as bridges and dentures. This type of floss will ensure that you don't damage your dental implant while flossing.

You can also use a water flosser to clean your dental implants.

4. Avoid damaging habits

Try to stop all habits that might damage your dental implants, such as biting your nails, chewing on pens, and chewing ice. All of these activities can damage your dental implants.

5. Wear a mouth guard when necessary

Although dental implants are durable once they have healed, you might need to wear a mouthguard to protect them at times. For instance, if you play team sports, wear a mouthguard. And if you grind your teeth at night, which can be very damaging to dental implants, have your dentist create a custom mouthguard to protect your dental implants and natural teeth.

6. Stop smoking and drinking during the healing phase

Both smoking and drinking can impede your body's ability to heal itself. During the healing phase of dental implants, try to avoid smoking and drinking. This will ensure that your implants heal well.

Use these tips to care for your new dental implants. And remember to see your dentist at least bi-annually so you can spot and prevent problems with your dental implants. 

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