So, you’ve got a dental implant. Congratulations! As you already knew coming into your procedure, dental implants are the number one solution for anyone missing one or multiple teeth. Whether you’re rocking one dental implant or an entire arch, it doesn’t matter! You’ve made the right choice. Not only do dental implants look amazing and feels just like your natural teeth, they also improve your oral health and overall wellbeing. Plus, dental implants are super affordable, and the results are priceless.
When you walked out of one of our ADHP offices after finishing the journey to get a dental implant, the first thing you probably did was smile! After all, you just got a brand new tooth and what better way is there to flaunt it? What you probably weren’t thinking of until later that night was how to take care of your dental implant. You walk into your bathroom to brush your teeth, but realize, you don’t know how to take care of your dental implant!
Lucky for you, we’re here to end your uncertainty. Here’s what you need to know to take care of your dental implants, starting at home.
Caring for Your Dental Implants in the Bathroom
Traditionally, the way you take care of your teeth involves a toothbrush and toothpaste. You add a pea-size amount of toothpaste atop the bristles of your toothbrush, and you evenly brush your teeth for two minutes. Throw in a dental implant, how does this change?
It doesn’t! Dental implants are actually super easy to take care of. Remember how they look and feel just like natural teeth? Well, they also require the same love and care you give your other teeth. Nothing more, nothing less. That makes your cleaning routine super simple:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Use a fluoridated, non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily around all your teeth, including your dental implant.
- Consider using an oral irrigator (mouthwash, water flosser, water toothpick)
Brushing Your Teeth
When you’re brushing your teeth, make sure you’re doing it the right way. Each tooth needs its own time to shine, scrub each one 10-15 times. Don’t forget to get the back and sides of each tooth as well. Brush for at least 2 minutes but avoid going overboard as doing so will cause enamel abrasion.
When selecting your toothpaste, go with one that contains fluoride in it. Fluoride helps re-mineralize the enamel protecting your teeth. Some toothpastes have greater fluoride concentration than others. Talk to your dentist and see what’s right for you.
The Importance of Flossing
There are many debates concerning flossing and its purpose. Some dentists say flossing is unnecessary; other dentists strongly urge that you do. However, if you’re committed to taking care of your teeth, we suggest that you do floss. Here’s why. Flossing helps clean the sides of each tooth that a toothbrush cannot reach. If you don’t floss, plaque and tartar can build up between your teeth.
One advantage dental implants have is that they are unable to develop caries. However, that won’t stop bad things from happening. If plaque builds up near the root of a dental implant, bacteria can eat away at the gums, exposing the implant post lying underneath. Ultimately, this can lead to dental implant failure. Avoid pushing your floss straight down into your gums and trapping plaque there. Instead, try using a circular motion to gently work down between each tooth and slide the floss outward to get rid of any plaque.
Eat What You Want, But Be Healthy About It
You chose to get a dental implant because of its many advantages, one of them being it restores your chewing ability and allows you to eat whatever you want. That’s great, except you need to be healthy about it. Now is not the time to indulge in sodas and sugary foods. If you do so, you’re only hurting the remaining teeth you do have. Bacteria in your mouth breaks down sugar into harmful acid that erodes enamel, causing tooth sensitivity, decay and eventual tooth loss. This type of diet will also have a harmful effect on the rest of your body.
Starting from here on out, take care of your teeth. Be sure you’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as they contain vitamins and nutrients that help strengthen your teeth and gums and re-mineralize your enamel. Cut down on the amount of carbs you eat as well – including potato chips and
Now that you got a dental implant its important that you take care of it, alongside the rest of your teeth. After all, you don’t want to be losing any more teeth! If you’re unsure what you’re doing is benefiting your dental implant and the rest of your teeth, we’re here to answer your questions. Call ADHP today at (800) 343-2347 for more information.