Dental implants are an excellent alternative for people who want to replace lost teeth and feel confident again. If you have chosen to go with dental implants in Santa Clarita, you are already on your way to having a long-lasting, natural-looking smile. Proper care and maintenance of dental implants is critical in order for them to work well and last for decades. Here are the top habits for maintaining your dental implants, so you can enjoy those benefits of your new smile.
Brush and Floss Twice a Day
Similar to natural teeth, your dental implants need to be cleaned regularly. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up around the implant site and cause gum disease and even implant failure. First, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. And to clean in between the teeth and in between your implants, use dental floss or interdental brushes. Focus on the gum line as well, especially around the implant area, as it will reduce the chances of bacteria buildup.
An antibacterial mouthwash can also help you to reduce plaque and gum inflammation. Dentists tend to recommend non-alcoholic mouthwash instead because alcohol can irritate the gums around your implants. Regular, thorough cleaning will keep your implants and surrounding gums in good health.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Your dental implants must be maintained with regular dental visits. For Santa Clarita dental implants to stay in their best shape, it is important to have them professionally cleaned and monitored. A skilled dentist can notice early signs of any problems including bone loss, gum disease, and implant failure.
Your dentist will evaluate the health of your implants during your visit and will perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar build−up that your daily routine may have missed. Routine visits every six months are recommended, although your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments depending on your specific needs.
Avoid chewing hard food or things.
Though dental implants are built to be long-lasting, they are not indestructible. Eating hard things like ice, candy or even tough meats put error on the implant and the bone structure around. This can cause damage or even implant failure over time.
Also, chewing on non-food objects, such as pens, pencils or fingernails should be avoided. These habits can break the implant or the crown, so it’s important that you eat only foods that don’t apply excessive force over the implant.
Quit Smoking
There are many drawbacks to smoking regarding your oral health and the life of your dental implants in Santa Clarita. Smoking decreases blood flow to the gums and hinders the recovery process, which in turn may put one at risk of infection and implant failure. In fact, research has indicated a higher incidence of complications in smokers with dental implants than in non-smokers.
If you smoke, quitting — or at least cutting back on your smoking — is a good step to take. This will not only benefit your oral health, but also the likelihood that your implants will remain in good health for many years.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Your gums, bones, and implants also depend on a healthy diet. Promoting strong bones, critical for the success of dental implants, requires calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus-rich foods. Be sure to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and dairy products to support overall health of your mouth.
Also, keep sugar-laden foods and beverages to a minimum; they can contribute to the buildup of plaque and gum disease. A healthy diet keeps gums healthy and implants in place.
Shield Your Implants from Injury
If you play sports or activities that might risk your mouth getting injured, use a mouthguard. The area surrounding the implant is subject to serious damage from trauma which may lead to expensive repairs or replacement. Wearing a molded mouthguard can help keep your Santa Clarita dental implants safe, and can do a lot to reduce how likely you are to suffer an injury.
Conclusion
These top habits allow you to maintain the health, function, and beauty of your dental implants in Santa Clarita for years to come! For instance, brushing and flossing every day, going to the dentist twice yearly, and taking proper care of your implants can help ensure impeccable smiles.
Dr. Eleinais the author of this article. To know more about Best Dentist in Santa Clarita visit our website: bridgeportaestheticdentistry.com
