It’s estimated that roughly 500,000 people restore their smiles with dental implants every year. Due to their guaranteed longevity and functionality, it’s no surprise that is one of the most popular tooth loss solutions. This state-of-the-art procedure can last 30 years or more with the proper care! Read on to learn which bad dental habits should be avoided so your beautiful, complete grin can last as long as possible.
#1. Not Cleaning Between Your Implants
Flossing your pearly whites is still essential, even with your restoration! Although your dental implants can’t get cavities, that doesn’t mean you should neglect thoroughly cleaning them. Plaque and bacteria can still build on your gum line, which makes flossing very important to maintain the health of your implants. If not, you risk getting an infection and possibly putting your new smile at risk. Since your gums keep your implants stable and in place, flossing at least once a day should be a priority in your dental routine to protect your implants from harm.
#2. Skipping Your Dental Checkups
As stated above, gum disease can negatively impact your dental implants because it damages the supportive tissue around them. Another great way to keep your oral health in top condition and protect your smile is by attending your routine checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will not only give your mouth a thorough cleaning but carefully check your implants and the health of your gums. They can make any necessary adjustments along the way to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling good.
#3. Using Tobacco Products
It’s common knowledge that smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for your natural teeth, but did you know they are even worse for dental implants? Tobacco decreases your immune system, making it very difficult for your bone to grow and fuse to the implants. Additionally, it also increases your risk of infection and gum disease, possibly leading to implant failure. Besides, you want your new smile to be bright, not yellowed from smoking!
#4. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Have you ever tried to rip open a package or open a bottle with your teeth? While it may seem convenient, unfortunately, you are putting your mouth at risk of dental emergencies like chipped, cracked, or lost teeth. It can be tempting to use your pearly whites as tools, but it is not worth the risk to your dental implants or your overall oral health. Be sure to have other handy tools available, like a box cutter and bottle opener.
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, but you still want to do all you can to keep them safe. By avoiding these bad habits, you are sure to enjoy a healthy, beautiful, and strong set of teeth for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Gladston Silva keeps the smiles of Daytona Beach whole and healthy! As a true expert on dental implants, he is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and has advanced training in prosthodontics. Additionally, he is an active member of the Florida Prosthodontic Association. By providing high-quality restorations, he can help you to keep your new teeth in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (386) 274-2021.