Cosmetic dental implants can increase your confidence and improve your smile, however, they need to be taken care of to ensure that they last. Below we have collated some recommendations on how to care for your implants. Following these tips will ensure that your dental implants stay in top condition for a long time, saving you money in the long run.
Use a Soft Brush
Cosmetic dental implants require a toothbrush that is more gentle, so you may need to switch the toothbrush that you are using. Nylon toothbrushes are usually recommended as the bristles are soft and pliable, so will not damage your implants in any way. The areas around your implants can be cleaned using a proxabrush to get into all the small, hard-to-reach areas in order to get rid of any plaque or bacteria that may have accumulated.
Floss Every Day
Most of the general public don’t tend to floss every day – with around 80% of people not flossing as often as they should. Dental implants require frequent flossing as they can harbour plaque. Try looking out for floss that is designed especially for dental implants as this can provide a gentler touch. It can be difficult to remember to floss often, so it is important to try and set yourself reminders. This may even include setting an alarm on your phone or leaving the floss out so that you see and remember to use it.
Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods that are too hard or too sticky can end up cracking or damaging your implants. Foods that are tough, crunchy, sticky, spicy, or very hot can all be detrimental to one’s implants. These particularly include foods such as caramel, crusty bread, rice, and apples, which should be eaten cautiously or avoided altogether. Most of these foods can damage teeth but are especially risky for those with dental implants. Conversely, soft foods such as eggs, many leafy vegetables and potatoes, chicken and fish, and milk, cheese, and yogurt, are recommended as they are not likely to damage implants and are rich in protein and other essential nutrients to speed up recovery.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
The durability of your implants will also depend on your lifestyle choices. Other things to avoid in order to protect your cosmetic dental implants are smoking and alcohol, particularly during the first six months as this is when the implants are still healing. Smoking after receiving dental implants can lead to bone loss and deterioration and can also cause pockets of inflammation around the implants, which can lead to implant failure. Alcohol can slow down the healing process, so avoid this as much as you can in order to fully recover as quickly as possible.
Avoid Dental Products that can be Abrasive
Dental products that are too abrasive can damage the surface of your dental implants. So, when possible, in selecting toothpaste and mouthwash, choose products that are for sensitive teeth. These products will be gentler on your implants and when used with a nylon toothbrush, will keep them in excellent condition.
Regular Dental Visits
It is a good idea to commit to regular dental check-ups and appointments. This will ensure that your dentist can examine the progress of your implants, ensure they are clean and stable, and provide any suitable advice.
If you have or are planning to have a dental implant, these are 6 tips we recommend you abide by to ensure your implants maintain in good condition and continue to give you the smile you’re wanting.
