When you get dental implants from your dentists, you may not think you need to stay on top of your oral care routine as much as you used to. After all, the teeth aren’t real, so surely, they don’t require as much attention? The opposite is true. Your dental implants may not be your natural teeth, but they do need proper attention to keep them in the best condition possible. These tips below may help.
After the Procedure
The immediate aftercare of your dental implants is as crucial as the ongoing care. In the first 24 hours after your procedure, refrain from moving around excessively and keep your head elevated. You may also like to keep an icepack on your face for short periods and eat only soft foods.
Avoid rinsing your mouth, and take any medications prescribed by your doctor for pain and infection control. If you notice bleeding, bite down on the sponges that your dentist would have placed in your mouth to assist.
Use a Different Toothbrush
You may be used to using an ordinary toothbrush with your regular teeth, but that might have to change. Some hard-bristled brushes can scratch your dental implants, which means swapping to a nylon toothbrush can be the best thing you can do for your teeth.
A nylon brush tends to be gentler on your teeth than other models and is less likely to scratch your implants.
Don’t Use Anything Abrasive
Get into the habit of buying oral hygiene products that say the word “gentle” or “sensitive”. Your dental implants may not be your real teeth, but they are just as susceptible to damage. What’s more, choosing an oral hygiene product that’s too harsh or abrasive can be quite uncomfortable for the user.
Even intense flavours like cinnamon and mint can cause discomfort, so it may pay to talk to your general dentist about the best products for use.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
You may be partial to a sweet treat from time to time, but it’s essential to be quite selective with your food. Both sticky and hard food can damage both your dental implants and the opposing teeth.
Consider refraining from eating apples, caramel, hard candies, potato chips, carrots, crusty bread, dried fruit, and steak. You can then keep your dental implants in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
Floss Daily
Did you know only five percent of the Australian population regularly flosses? Given that flossing can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, that’s an alarming statistic. When you get dental implants, step up your flossing game.
It’s all too easy for plaque to form around your implants and cause further oral health concerns. Fortunately, there are plenty of floss types on the market that are designed for use with implants.
Avoid Cigarettes and Alcohol
Your dentist may have told you already that alcohol and cigarettes are bad for your natural teeth. But did you know they are also harmful to your dental implants? Alcohol can even slow down the healing process of your implants.
Dental implants can give you so much confidence to smile, laugh, and show off your teeth. However, they need your help to remain in the best condition. Brush and floss daily, avoid abrasive materials and refrain from eating food that could impact their longevity.