If you have just gotten your dental implants, congrats! It’s time to smile brightly and confidently. Besides boosting your cosmetic appearance, dental implants also restore your ability to eat properly, keep the jawbone from shrinking due to teeth loss and preserve gum and bone health.
But here’s a catch: if you want to reap the benefits of your implants for a long time, you should follow a dental implant care routine. It starts the minute your dentist fixes those implants on you.
If you’re planning on getting dental implants in Bingham Farms, choose Advanced Dentistry Center, where you’re treated like a family.
Dental Implant Longevity Tips You Should Follow
Here are easy and actionable tips you can follow to prolong the life of your dental implants:
Soft Nylon Brush
You may want to switch your toothbrush to a soft-bristled one. Nylon toothbrushes are gentle on the implants because of their soft bristles. Otherwise, you can get a Proxa brush for hard-to-reach areas.
Religiously avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes because they will scratch your implants’ surface. Also, say goodbye to mouth-cleaning metal instruments once your implants are in place. Stick to regular flossing and brushing.
Floss Regularly
Speaking of flossing, do you know only 16% of adults floss regularly in America? This means a whopping 84% of Americans don’t.
If you’re on the larger side of the statistic, it’s time to make changes now that your implants are in place. Flossing is important with dental implants because plaque quickly accumulates on them, leading to other oral hygiene problems.
Luckily, you’ll find implant-friendly flosses, so you cannot excuse yourself from this one!
No Abrasive Products
Whether it’s a mouthwash, toothbrush or toothpaste – opt for non-abrasive products. Buy sensitive cleaning toothpaste and mouthwash after getting your dental implants. Abrasive and intense-flavored products can cause discomfort. So, no more cinnamon or mint-flavored products.
Carry Floss
If you want to maintain oral hygiene and avoid plaque accumulation on your dental implants, keep a stash of flosses with you. You can keep one in your bag or car to take care of your oral hygiene.
No Hard/Sticky Foods
Avoid eating sticky/hard food as it can cause implant damage. Besides, these types of foods also damage your actual teeth as well. Foods such as ice, dried fruit, potato chips, caramel, carrots, hard shell tacos, steak, apples and French or crusty bread can damage your implants and opposing teeth.
Avoid Alcohol & Smoking
While tobacco and alcohol generally aren’t good for your health, you should especially avoid them after getting your implants. It takes almost six months for the implants to heal, so you should avoid substance use during that time.
It’s also important to schedule regular visits with a dentist to increase dental implant longevity. Head to Advanced Dentistry Center for dental implants, dental fillings or oral surgery in Royal Oak and Bingham Farms. Schedule an appointment with us today.