Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular. They are often used as an alternative to bridges or dentures and are a very effective option for maintaining the look and feel of your mouth. Dental implants should last a lifetime with the proper care and will provide the same experience as regular teeth, both when it comes to the way that they look and also the experience of eating, talking, etc. If you have dental implants then this is what you need to know about how to look after them.
Take care of your investment
If you’ve invested in dental implants then looking after them will ensure that you get the most from that investment. Dental implants should have longevity and minimise the need for further attention for your teeth. However, like anything in life, if you don’t take care of your implants then you may find that you have to have them replaced or that they cause issues for you. These are the key steps to note when it comes to looking after your dental implants so that they last as long as possible:
- Brush your teeth. Do this twice a day and, if possible, use an electric toothbrush. Brush the implant as if it was one of your regular teeth. Interdental brushes, which slide between the teeth, can be a great tool for ensuring that you’re cleaning your teeth comprehensively.
- Floss daily. Just as with your regular teeth, flossing can be very beneficial to ensure nothing is getting trapped around the implant. Use a satin tape floss and make sure that you get it below the level of the gum so that you can clean the collar of the implant.
- Make regular appointments with the hygienist. A hygienist can help with teeth cleaning by reaching the areas that you may not be able to get to. Make a 30 minute appointment every six months to ensure that all your teeth are clean and that you’re not getting a plaque build up around the implant collar.
- Stop smoking. If you’re a regular smoker then this can weaken your bones and can be one of the main reasons why dental implants fail.
- Take care when you’re chewing hard food. Items like ice and hard or boiled sweets can cause damage to the crown and to your natural teeth. So, exercise caution if you’re eating very hard food and chew it carefully.
- Attend for your regular dental check-ups atleast twice per year. Your dentist will be able to check that the implant is still doing well, is healthy, and can take x-rays to see whether there has been any bone loss and that the implant is still connected to the tooth. Your dentist will also be able to see whether your cleaning regime is effective and to suggest improvements where it is not.
- Look out for issues. Some of the most common problems that can arise with dental implants include pain, redness, and swelling of the gum around the implant, and bleeding or movement. Acting quickly when you experience any of these could be essential for long-term dental implant health.
These are some of the best ways to look after your dental implants.
