Your smile shouldn’t be something that holds you back, it should be something that you are proud of, that gives you confidence. If you’re looking to gain back the functionality of your teeth while improving aesthetics and convenience, dental implants could be the effective solution for you.
Ensuring the right care for your teeth and gums is always a necessity, however, if you’ve just undergone the implant procedure, the upkeep of oral hygiene and care in the following days and weeks is even more crucial. But how can you practice dental implant after care in the best way possible to ensure a beautiful smile that lasts?
To make it easier, we’ve curated some essential care tips to help you sustain a vibrant and confident smile. Make sure you follow the tips below diligently, so they stay in best shape possible.
Choose Gentle Oral Care Products
Dental implants require more mild oral care. Harsh or abrasive items, whether it’s toothpaste or mouthwash, can lead to significant discomfort.
It is also recommended to steer clear of products with strong flavors, such as mint or cinnamon, to prevent any disturbance to the surface of the implants in your mouth.
Don’t Forget to Floss Daily
Floss daily! Not just for dental implants but for any dental treatment, it is best to make a habit of flossing every day. This is essential as plaque can quickly build up around implants, leading to potential oral hygiene problems.
Fortunately, there’s a variety of floss available tailored for those with dental implants. Doing so will get you well-equipped to keep your implants and teeth clean and healthy in the long run. We recommend Superfloss.
Try to build smoke-free habits
The longevity of your implants isn’t just about dental care; your overall lifestyle plays a crucial role too.
Smoking can pose challenges to both your dental implants and overall oral health. During your initial consultation, your dentist will likely consider your smoking habits when evaluating your suitability for implants.
Steer Clear of Hard and Sticky Foods
To protect your dental implants and the surrounding teeth, it’s essential to be cautious about your diet.
Consuming hard or sticky foods, such as ice, caramel, dried fruit, hard candies, hardshell tacos, potato chips, carrots, apples, steak, and crusty breads, can jeopardize your implants and even harm other teeth. So, it’s always better to be mindful of these dietary choices, to enhance the longevity of your dental implants.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Did you know that alcohol can impede your body’s natural healing process? This can make it harder for your body to repair and regenerate essential components like blood vessels, bone cells, collagen, and skin. For those with dental implants, this poses additional concerns.
Alcohol can also accelerate plaque buildup, hindering the recovery process. Therefore, for optimal recovery, it’s recommended to refrain from alcohol for at least six months after your dental implant procedure.
Maintain Proper Oral Care
Prioritising your oral care and hygiene should always be important. While dental implants boast a high success rate, it’s crucial to maintain their cleanliness, much like your natural teeth. What this essentially means is to prioritise consistent oral care without fail.
After meals, make it necessary to rinse your mouth to clear away any lingering food particles. Using saline water for rinsing post-meal is especially recommended.
Consult Your Dentist When Needed
Prioritising regular dental check-ups is vital for maintaining your oral health. By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can manage plaque, prevent tartar buildup, and detect potential problems early on.
If you have dental implants, these visits become even more crucial. During these appointments, your dentist will inspect your implants to ensure there are no signs of peri-implantitis or other damage, ensuring the health of the implants and gums overall.
Final Thoughts
On the whole, dental implant care and maintenance is straightforward and can significantly extend their longevity. Regular dental visits, specialised implant cleanings, and closely following your dentist’s recommendations are key to ensuring your implants remain in top condition.
If you notice any damage to your implant, it’s crucial to consult your dentist immediately. This diligence will help you maintain a radiant and healthy smile.
At Advanced Dental Implants Institute, our dentists are committed to helping you reap the full benefits of dental implants. Our team is passionate about restoring the shine of your smile through tailored dental treatments as well as post-surgery care.
