How To Take Care of Dental Implants

Here's a question we often get asked here at DentAllon Dentistry: 

"Do I need to take care of implants?" 

"And, if so, how do I do it?" 

To make one thing clear right from the start: yes, you need to take care of your dental implants. Although not natural, they can still be affected by decay and gum disease. Yes, the crown is made of porcelain or ceramic, and the artificial root is made of metal, but these components are surrounded by your natural bone and gum tissues. Lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to bacteria growth. And this bacteria can easily affect the gums and bone that support your implant, making it more likely to fail. 

With that in mind, here are some tips that you should follow if you want to take proper care of your implants. 
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Best Ways to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

As we said, the health and longevity of your dental implants are directly impacted by your daily actions and habits. If you want to prolong the lifespan of your implant, then here are some simple things that you should follow:
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Brush and Floss Daily 

The best and easiest way to care for your implant is by brushing them two times a day and flossing every night. You don't need to worry about using any special technique. Just brush them like you would with your natural teeth. Swipe every surface of your teeth thoroughly but without putting too much pressure on your gums. 
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Use Implant Friendly Products 

Opt for a non-abrasive toothbrush and toothpaste, so you don't damage your implants. Although the crown is quite sturdy and can withstand the pressure of biting and chewing just like your natural teeth, a hard-bristle toothbrush or an abrasive toothpaste can scratch your implant, reducing its lifespan. 
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Avoid Certain Foods 

Foods that are too hard or sticky can damage your implants. Eating a taffy, for example, can pull the crown out as it can stick to your teeth. That's why it's best to limit or completely avoid these types of foods. 
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Avoid Damaging Habits 

If you tend to use your teeth as tools to open packages or if you chew on hard objects, or grind and clench your teeth, then all these habits can slowly but surely damage your implant. Use a night guard if you have bruxism, a mouth guard if you play sports, and avoid damaging habits altogether.
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly 

Make sure to visit your dentist every six months, even if everything seems fine with your oral health. This way, you can stay on top of your oral hygiene and spot issues that might now show any obvious signs yet. 
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We Can Help You Take Care of Your Implant! 

Are you looking for a friendly and professional dentist in Nassau Bay? Then you should look no further than DentAllon Dentistry. 

Dr. Liel Allon is here to assist you with any oral health issue you might have. 

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.