Dental implants offer a reliable, lasting way to restore your smile and replace missing teeth, so you can eat, speak, and laugh with total confidence again. They offer stability, function, and a natural appearance, often making them feel just like your real teeth. However, their success heavily depends on how well they’re cared for after placement. If you’ve received treatment from a trusted dentist in Comox, maintaining proper oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits will ensure your implants last a lifetime.
Knowing how to take care of dental implants correctly can prevent you from having complications and keep your general oral health intact. So let’s discover how you can take care of your implants and maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Why Does Implant Care Matter?
Just like natural teeth, implants can be susceptible to gum disease and plaque. Peri-implantitis, an infection similar to gum disease, can occur if good oral hygiene is not practiced. It can lead to bone loss and, ultimately, implant failure if left unaddressed.
After implants are placed, it’s not just brushing and flossing; it’s becoming a devoted patient of a healthy lifestyle for implants and getting to know what they need in order to thrive:
Creating a Daily Care Routine
While implants will not get cavities, they do need daily maintenance to remain safe from gum disease and irritation. Here’s what your routine should include:
- Brushing Twice a Day: Brush your teeth and implants softly with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. An electric toothbrush may be more efficient at removing plaque.
- Daily Flossing: Flossing near implants can avoid the accumulation of food particles and bacteria. Implant floss or interdental brushes may also be used for tight spaces.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash Use: Rinsing with a mouthwash can minimize bacteria and encourage healthier gums around implants.
If you are not sure what the right tools or methods are, a dentist near you can suggest products that suit your requirements.
Healthy Habits to Support Implant Longevity
Other than oral hygiene, your lifestyle is also a key factor in the success of your implants. By embracing supportive habits, you can enhance your general oral health and prolong the life of your implants.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces healing and makes implants fail more readily. If you are a smoker, quitting is probably the most positive thing you can do for your dental and overall health.
- Consume a Balanced Diet: Calcium- and vitamin D- and D-rich foods contribute to developing healthy bones and gums. A proper diet is the foundation of a proper lifestyle for implants.
- Stay Hydrated: Saliva removes bacteria. Proper hydration keeps your mouth in an appropriate pH balance, and oral health is enhanced.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Eating hard foods such as hard candy or ice can damage your implants or other teeth.
Regular Checkups And Professional Cleanings
Schedule regular visits with your dental professional every 6 months or as advised to be more discerning. Visits allow your dental care professionals to check up on your implants, verify that the right bite remains in effect, and take out spots where a home fix may not be possible.
Regular visits to your neighborhood dentist prevent problems and ensure your implants are performing at their optimum. It is also the appropriate time to receive custom advice on how to care for your type of implant.
Recognizing Early Warning Signs
Knowing the signs of potential issues allows you to act quickly. Contact your dentist if you notice:
- Redness or swelling around the implant
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- A loose implant
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste
Addressing these symptoms early can prevent more serious issues and protect your investment.
Your Implants Deserve Premium Care – Trust Acreview Dental to Keep Them At Their Best!
Dental implants are an investment you can afford that can enhance your looks and lifestyle. They can last for decades with proper care. From oral hygiene to making smart lifestyle choices, caring for your implants is simpler than you think.
Your smile is important, particularly after having invested in the same. Get the following steps to preserve your smile by scheduling a customized appointment at Acreview Dental & Comox Valley Implants today. We will assist you in maintaining healthy implants for years to come!
