Caring for Your Dental Implants: Dos and Don’ts

Dental implants act and function like original teeth. Sometimes, they are stronger than natural teeth. Moreover, they can last for many years, as they are not susceptible to disease and decay.

However, you must take good care of your implants at home. Otherwise, you have to decide to get back to your dentist’s office to replace your implants. This guide will provide you with the knowledge needed to maintain your dental implants.

Dos for Dental Implant Care

Do Brushing Everyday

You must brush your implants twice daily. Do this after having meals especially. Consider gentle brushing.

Use a small, soft-bristled electric or manual toothbrush to clean the teeth’s faces and critical areas where the gums and implants meet. You can opt for interdental brush heads, as they are very effective when it comes to cleaning those hard-to-reach spaces. With these, you can eliminate the issue of scratching the implant surface.

Do Consider Using a Flosser

Oral irrigators can be ideal tools, as they minimize inflammation, sticky biofilms, and hard-to-reach plaque. According to research, they are 87% more effective at lowering bleeding. It has also been reported that they are 3 times more effective when it comes to minimizing gingivitis than merely rinsing.

Do Opt for Tartar-control, Low-abrasive Toothpaste

You can use normal OTC toothpaste that contains fluoride. There is no need to opt for a special type of toothpaste if you get dental implants in South Hills. However, you can look for the ADA Seal of Approval to find the best kind.

Do Use a Mouth Rinse

Consider adding a diluted alcohol-free antimicrobial rinse with chlorhexidine gluconate if you have an inflamed mouth. These can be prescribed or purchased over the counter.

Don’ts for Implant Care

Do Not Use Brightening or Whitening Toothpaste

You must avoid toothpaste that contains activated charcoal or baking soda. If you use stain-removing toothpaste, it will be an immense abrasive for your new teeth.

Do Not Smoke

This habit is one of the major factors that contribute to oral issues. It can fail your recovery as well.

Do Not UseYour Teeth as Tools

You must not use dental implants to open bottles, cans, or packaging. Avoid these habits to increase the implant result.

Do Not Hurry to Eat Normal Foods

Consider clinging to soft foods, such as creamy soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, pudding, milkshakes, ice cream, etc., once you get the procedure done. Simultaneously, you have to avoid too much spice, nuts, sticky rice, small seeds, hard or crunchy foods, and acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus.

You can have approximately 90% of your natural chewing power back after the initial healing is complete. There are certain foods that you have to avoid, such as hard candies, gummy candies, seeds, ice, popcorn kernels, caramel apples, taffy, etc.

Are you looking to get dental implant treatment? If so, contact our dentists now. Our professionals will provide you with the proper guidance that you should consider including after this treatment. With us, you can get the best implant experience for sure.