Whether you only have a few implants or you used dental implants instead of dentures, your new teeth are a lifelong investment. Good dental implants care in Raleigh, NC means regularly attending check-up appointments, practicing good oral hygiene, and adopting healthy lifestyle practices.
How to Maintain Dental Implants for Long-Lasting Results in Raleigh, NC
The best way to take care of dental implants is to adopt good oral hygiene habits. If you struggled with regular oral hygiene before your implants, this is a good time to turn over a new leaf and commit to brushing and flossing twice a day. Brushing your dental implants removes plaque that can cause staining or gum irritation, while routine flossing removes food debris from beneath the teeth and supports healthy gums.
Are There Specific Products to Use for Dental Implant Hygiene?
Dental implants are made with materials that might be scratched or damaged by harsh oral hygiene products. It’s best to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a toothpaste that is formulated to be non-abrasive. You may opt for toothpaste formulas that focus on promoting good gum health by eliminating bacteria at the gum line. An electric toothbrush can be a good tool to effectively remove plaque and prevent buildup.
Implant-safe floss is ideal for your daily flossing since ordinary string floss may be too aggressive on the gums. You can also use a water flosser on a gentle setting to floss between implants and gently massage the gums. Some people may like to add an antibacterial mouthwash to their daily oral hygiene routine, such as rinsing the mouth after lunch or a snack.
How Often Do You Need a Check-Up for Dental Implants Care?
It’s ideal to schedule a dental implant cleaning once every six months to ensure good gum health, prevent hard plaque buildup, and monitor the condition of your implants. You should schedule an appointment sooner if you notice any implant issues, such as pain, tenderness, or swollen gums. If you have TMJ or TMD, you can speak with your dentist about a nightguard to protect the longevity of your dental implants.
What Lifestyle Changes Can You Make for Long-Lasting Implants?
Just like the teeth you were born with, implants benefit from healthy lifestyle practices. Habits like smoking or using other tobacco products not only increase the risk of implant failure after your procedure, but these products can also harm gum health. Smoking also increases the risk of staining your new teeth.
If you’re a fan of peanut brittle and toffee, you may want to cut back when you have dental implants. Very hard and sticky foods can put a lot of stress on implants, which could damage the tooth material or cause other complications. Sticking to a balanced diet with whole foods and drinking plenty of water can go a long way toward maintaining your dental implants for life.
Good oral hygiene is essential for long-lasting dental implants since the success of your artificial teeth relies on healthy gums and adequate jawbone density. Book a dental implant check-up at Rebecca E Reeves DMD, PA in Raleigh, NC today.