Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth and complete your smile. They are a permanent solution to gaps in your grin and give you back at least 80% of your bite power so you can eat almost anything without issue. Implants are also incredibly durable, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no way to damage them. Continue reading as we discuss five bad habits that you should avoid to make your dental implants last as long as possible.
Habit #1: Bad Oral Hygiene
Dental implants can’t get cavities, but your natural teeth can. If you develop decay in your remaining pearly whites, this can lead to additional tooth loss. As a result, the surrounding teeth and implants will shift to fill in the gaps, which can cause them to weaken and break or fall out over time.
Be sure to brush twice per day. Do so for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your smile. You should also floss each night and regularly rinse with mouthwash.
Habit #2: Consuming Too Much Sugar
The bacteria that cause cavities feed on sugar in the foods and drinks you consume. This is why it’s important to limit your consumption of sugar. Acidic, sticky, starchy, and hard foods should also be avoided when possible. Instead, eat a balanced diet that includes:
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Fresh, crisp fruits and veggies, like apples, carrots, and pears
- Leafy greens, like lettuce, kale, and spinach
- Lean meats, like chicken and turkey
- Nuts like almonds and Brazil nuts
- Fish like salmon and mackerel
Habit #3: Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes raises your likelihood of developing oral cancer and gum disease. Both of these conditions can lead to a variety of issues, including dental implant failure. Cut out this bad habit with help from your dentist, doctor, or mental health professional and support from friends and family.
Habit #4: Nail Biting & Using Your Teeth as Tools
Biting your nails or using your teeth to open bottles and packages may lead to chips or cracks in both your implants and your natural teeth. Nail biting also introduces potentially harmful bacteria into your mouth, which may lead to gum disease or cavities. Chew on sugar-free gum, eat fruits or veggies, or suck on sugar-free hard candy instead if you need to keep your mouth occupied.
Habit #5: Skipping Dental Checkups
Seeing your dentist every six months is key to keeping your teeth healthy. The same goes for your dental implants. during these visits, your smile will be thoroughly cleaned. Your dentist will also examine the oral cavity for signs of oral health issues or implant failure. This will allow them to catch problems early on to increase your chances of implant success.
About the Practice
First Impressions offers patients the care they need to keep their smiles healthy, happy, and bright. If you are missing one or more of your teeth, they offer dental implants to fill in the gaps. They can teach you about the bad habits you should avoid to keep your implants in good condition and your smile looking its best. If you are interested in setting up an appointment with First Impressions or want more information on dental implants, visit their website or call their office at (425) 391-4964.