Are you looking forward to your new dental implants in Naples, Florida? Getting your smile back is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. A complete smile will improve your self-esteem and make you feel more confident about yourself. However, to maximize the full benefits of dental implants, you have to practice proper dental implant care. Even though dental implants have a high success rate, they can fail if not properly cared for.
How to Care For Your Dental Implants
Use a Toothbrush With Soft Bristles
Once you have your dental implants in, it’s very important that you keep them just as clean as your natural teeth. You should always be using soft bristle brushes. As much as possible, stay away from toothbrushes with stiff bristles because they can hurt the tissue surrounding your implant. It’s also important to floss every day.
Stay Away From Abrasive Products
Getting dental implants means you’ll need to be extra careful with the mouthwash and toothpaste you choose. Find sensitive products that have the ADA seal of acceptance. Using abrasive products may cause discomfort around the gum tissue and support of the implant.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Chewing on hard and sticky foods can potentially cause issues with your dental implants. Because there is not a ligament between the implant and your jawbone, chewing on something hard can cause a fracture of the implant. There are no receptors in an implant to tell you to stop biting into something that can potentially break it. Sticky foods cause also sometimes cause an implant crown to come off or can cause the screw inside the implant crown to loosen.
Don’t Smoke and Drink Alcohol
Binging on alcoholic beverages and smoking are bad for your dental implants, especially if you just got them. Keep in mind that it takes several months for your implants to heal completely. Drinking and smoking will slow down the healing process.
Night Guard
Think about getting a night guard to help prevent issues with your implants. Those of us who clench and grind our teeth have a higher incidence of implant failure, due to the excess amount of force we put on them. Having a guard can help reduce lateral trauma to the implant, which can help prevent implant crown fracture and loosening and implant body loss.
Are You Caring For Your Dental Implants in Naples, Florida Enough?
If you need more tips on caring for your implants, we’re here for you. At Gulfside Dental, we are dedicated to improving your oral health with our wide array of dental services. Our dental office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to change how you feel about your smile. Contact us today for an appointment.