Health
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental Implants
Dental implants are great replacements for natural teeth. They are cavity proof, are much stronger than natural teeth and can give you a brighter smile. However, both natural teeth and implants have one thing in common, they both need good care if you want them to last for long. The only way you can achieve long-term success with dental implants is through professional maintenance techniques from Midtown Dental Care cosmetic dentistry.
Cleaning the Implants
Dental implants should be cleaned at least twice a day, especially after having meals. Brushing and flossing should be done gently and softly, paying maximum attention to all sides of the implant. The toothpaste should be a low-abrasive tartar control toothpaste, which will help you extend the lifespan of your dental implants. This means that the toothpaste keeps the tartar away but still has a low abrasive property.
Use a soft and small electric or manual toothbrush. Pick a toothbrush that has soft bristles so as not to hurt your gums, but hard enough to access those difficult to reach areas. You can use interdental toothbrushes, which have tiny bristles that are strong enough to help remove plaque and reach the far areas.
When cleaning the implants, be subtle to ensure you don’t scratch the outer coating. To clean around the abutments, use dental floss to reduce food particles that are stuck between your teeth. Always pick the unwaxed ones or you can go for water flossers and dental irrigators, which serve the same purpose. Afterward, rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouth rinses to keep the mouth fresh.
Dental Checkups
Ensure your dentist gets to examine your oral health regularly and to see if the implants are in good condition. Schedule a visit every three years but you can also go in for annual or biannual cleaning.
Caution during Cleaning
As much as dental implants are stronger than natural teeth, you’ll still need to handle them with care, especially when cleaning them. Brush your teeth after every meal using dental fluoride to remove plaque and prevent damage to your gums.
Continue to floss your teeth regularly, as lack of flossing will inevitably lead to problems – your dental implants, as well as natural teeth, will be adversely affected. Having dental implants in a few teeth should not be a reason to neglect the remaining teeth.
Always ensure you choose the right toothbrush, one that is easily maneuverable. This will help you clean your teeth with ease. Ensure the bristles are neither too hard nor too soft. If they are too soft, they may not be as effective as intended and may not reach the far corners of your jaw where food particles may be hiding. On the other hand, if the bristles are too hard, they may harm your gums and cause damage to your dental implants.
Other Tips
Although caring for your dental implants depends on the type that you have, seeing your dentist regularly will help guide you on which products are suitable.
Unlike natural teeth, the good thing about dental implants is that they never decay.
However, they must be cleaned to avoid plaque build-up, which may cause diseases to your gums. One substance that causes a build-up of plaque is having too much sugar. Maintaining a high level of hygiene prevents infections from building up and spreading in the mouth. Care for your dental implants with the same level of devotion as you would your natural teeth.
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