Welcome to Finch East Dental Care, your trusted source for dental implants in Scarborough, ON. Dental implants are a notable solution for replacing missing teeth, offering both appealing and functional benefits. However, ensuring the long-term success of your dental implants requires proper care and maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore nine essential tips to help you care for your dental implants and maximize their longevity.
Follow Proper Oral Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary for the success of your dental implants. Just like natural teeth, implants can accumulate plaque and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Brush your teeth two times a day with a soft layered toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss or dental brushes to clean between the teeth and around the implants, paying close attention to the gum line.
Attend Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to our Scarborough dental office are essential for monitoring the health of your dental implants. During these check-ups, our dental professionals will examine your implants, assess the surrounding tissues, and perform professional cleanings to remove any hardened plaque (tartar) that may have accumulated.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: While dental implants are incredibly durable, they are not indestructible. Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, or hard candies, as this can potentially damage the implants or the surrounding dental restoration.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can have harmful outcomes on oral health and can concession the success of dental implants. Smoking increases the risk of implant failure and can damage the healing process after implant surgery. If you're a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do to safeguard the longevity of your dental implants.
Maintain a Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet plays an important role in maintaining overall health, including oral health. Ingesting a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein can promote healing and support the longevity of your dental implants. Avoid excessive intake of fuzzy and acidic foods, as they can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Protect Your Dental Implants During Physical Activities: If you are involved in contact sports or activities that pose a risk of facial trauma, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your dental implants. A custom-fitted mouthguard can help prevent injury to the implants and surrounding oral structures, reducing the risk of implant damage.
Be Mindful of Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can exert excessive force on dental implants, leading to complications such as implant fracture or bone loss. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can help cushion the impact and protect your implants while you sleep.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is necessary to preserve healthy oral tissues and promote saliva production. Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth, relieve acids, and remineralize the teeth. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and minimize the risk of oral complications.
Stay Informed and Educated: Lastly, staying informed and educated about dental implant care is key to ensuring their long-term success. Ask our dental team at Finch East Dental Care any questions you may have about caring for your dental implants and follow their recommendations for optimal oral health.
Conclusion: Caring for your dental implants is a lifelong commitment that requires diligence and attention to detail. By following these nine essential tips and partnering with our team at Finch East Dental Care, you can enjoy the advantage of dental implants for years to come. Remember, a healthy smile starts with proper care and maintenance.