Dental implants are among the solutions for replacing missing teeth. They’re natural-looking, and they feel so natural to the touch. With good care, they can serve you for years or even a lifetime! But like your own teeth, dental implants need to be maintained if you want to keep them healthy. Regardless of whether you’ve just had one implant placed or have had them in for a while, good care on how to do so is crucial to your long-term success!
A few simple dental implant care tips that will assist you in maintaining your smile as healthy and resilient as you can be!
1. Brush and Floss Every Day
Just like your own teeth, the key to having clean dental implants is brushing and flossing! Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day. Brush up around the implant and along the gum line.
Flossing aids in the removal of food and plaque in between your teeth and the implant. For flossing, you can use regular floss, some specialized implant floss or an interdental brush if it’s difficult to manage certain areas. Your dentist is an excellent resource to determine which type of floss would work for your mouth.
2. Use a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Some toothpaste products can be too rough and may scratch the surface of your implants. Look for a non-abrasive toothpaste that is gentle but still fights plaque and bacteria. This helps protect both your implants and the gums around them.
3. Watch What You Eat
Even though dental implants are strong, they aren’t indestructible. Avoid chewing very hard foods like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels. These can damage not just your implants but also your natural teeth.
Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can also be tough on implants. Try to keep a balanced diet full of healthy choices that support your gum health, like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
4. How to Maintain Dental Implants
Caring for implants is a daily job. To maintain them well, stick to a routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with a gentle mouthwash. Use tools made for implants if needed, such as implant-specific brushes or flossers.
Also, avoid using your teeth to open packages or biting your nails. These habits may seem harmless, but they can loosen or damage the implant over time. Keeping your gums healthy and avoiding injuries to your mouth are important parts of implant maintenance.
5. Dental Implants Aftercare
After getting dental implants, healing takes time. Your mouth may feel sore or swollen at first, which is normal. Follow the instructions your dentist gives you carefully. Eat soft foods for a few days, avoid hot drinks, and don’t smoke during the healing period.
Keeping the area clean is key. Rinse gently with salt water or a mouthwash if advised. Avoid brushing the surgery site too hard. Make sure to show up for follow-up visits so your dentist can check how everything is healing.
Long-term aftercare means sticking to regular dental visits and keeping your gums in good shape. Taking care of your implants right after surgery helps prevent problems down the road.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
One of the most important parts of implant care is keeping up with regular dental checkups. Your dentist in Markham will check your implants, clean hard-to-reach areas, and spot any early signs of trouble before they become big problems.
These visits are also a great time to ask questions or get tips on how to maintain dental implants based on your daily habits or specific concerns.
7. Don’t Ignore Changes or Pain
If you ever feel pain or swelling or notice changes around your implant, don’t wait to get it checked. These could be signs of gum infection or other issues. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to fix the problem and protect your implant.
8. Quit Smoking (If You Smoke)
Smoking can slow down healing after surgery and may increase the risk of implant failure. It also affects the health of your gums and bones. If you’re serious about implant aftercare, cutting back or quitting smoking can make a big difference.
9. Use a Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and prevent gum infections. This is a helpful extra step, especially if you’ve had gum problems in the past. Use a gentle mouthwash that your dentist recommends.
Keep Your Smile Healthy with Dentistry In Markham
Caring for your dental implants is simple; just brush, floss, eat wisely, and see your dentist regularly. Treat them like your natural teeth, or even better!
If you have questions, the team at Dentistry In Markham is here to help. Book your visit today and keep your smile strong for years to come!