Dental implants are a significant investment of time, effort, and finances, but they deliver amazing results. They are considered the pinnacle of modern tooth restorations because they look and function just like real teeth. While dental implants are immune to tooth decay, they still require a healthy mouth to work properly and last for a long time. Here are a few bad habits to kick to ensure that your implants look great and chew thoroughly for decades to come.
Avoid Skipping Oral Hygiene
While many people might think that having artificial teeth that are immune to bacteria absolves them from taking care of their smiles, nothing could be further from the truth. Dental implants require healthy gums to remain secure in the mouth, and neglecting oral hygiene sessions allows bacteria to multiply rapidly and cause gum disease. Be sure to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day to keep your implants healthy and strong.
Kick the Tobacco Habit
Tobacco use, whether it be through smoking or chewing, is a notorious culprit behind the failure of dental implants. When the gums are exposed to the chemicals in tobacco, they harden to defend themselves. Frequently hardening in this manner exhausts them and eventually causes them to recede. To make matters worse, nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for the body to fight infections in the gums. Tobacco also has a way of causing nasty stains in teeth and implants alike, so cutting this habit out is a great way to help keep your restorations healthy.
Don’t Use Your Teeth or Implants for Anything but Chewing and Smiling
While teeth and implants are both incredibly strong, they can become damaged if they are not used properly. Many people have an unfortunate habit of using their teeth to open bottles and packages, or even to chew non-food items like pencils, ice, or paperclips out of stress or boredom. All of these things can chip, crack, or break your teeth and dental implants alike.
Dental implants are intended to be a long-term solution to tooth loss. With excellent care, your dental implants can last for decades or a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Hong earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and has completed post-graduate training in topics like non-surgical TMJ therapy, full-mouth reconstruction, and adhesive dentistry. His office in Goodyear, AZ offers general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry as well as dental implant treatments. For more information on proper care for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (623) 925-8822.