If you have gotten dental implants recently, your dentist must have surely told you to take care of your implants.
Well, just a “take care of your implants” may not actually guide you on how to take care of your dental implant.
To make things simpler for you, we have 5 easy ways you can take care of your dental implants.
1. Switch to a Softer Toothbrush
Your best dental implants need a gentler touch than you might think. Hard bristles can scratch up the surface, and those tiny scratches become perfect hiding spots for bacteria.
Grab a soft-bristled brush with nylon bristles. They’re flexible enough to clean without causing damage, and honestly, they feel better on your gums, too.
Brush twice a day like normal, but pay extra attention to where your implant meets the gum. Use small circles and don’t go crazy with the pressure. You’re cleaning, not scrubbing a dirty pan.
2. Floss Every Single Day
Most people hate flossing, but when you’ve invested in the best dental implants, skipping this step is like buying a nice car and never changing the oil.
Plaque builds up around implants just like real teeth, and it can cause inflammation, infection, and in the worst cases, implant failure. Not trying to scare you, just keeping it real.
Regular floss works fine, but be gentle. Slide it between your teeth, curve it around the implant, and get under the gum line.
If regular floss feels awkward, get a water flosser. These things are game-changers. They shoot water between your teeth and wash away the entire gunk. Plus, they’re actually kind of fun to use.
3. Be Smart About What You Eat
Your best dental implants are tough, but not superhuman. Biting down on ice cubes, chewing hard candy, or tearing into super crusty bread can damage the crown on your implant.
Cut up hard foods into smaller pieces. Let hard candy dissolve instead of crunching it. Choose the softer dinner roll over the rock-hard baguette.
Stick with implant-friendly foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, soft fruits, cooked vegetables, fish, and tender chicken. Basically, if you don’t have to wrestle with it while eating, your implants are safe.
4. Don’t Skip Dentist Appointments
Many people, once they get a dental implant, think that it is optional to go for dental implant checkups. Let us tell you that dental implant checkups shouldn’t be optional.
It is important to have your dentist keep an eye on your dental conditions.
Most people should go twice a year, but your dentist might recommend more depending on your situation.
Catching a small issue early is way easier and cheaper than dealing with a major problem later. Those appointments might seem like a hassle, but they’re what keep your implants working perfectly for decades.
5. Quit Smoking and Go Easy on Alcohol
Whether you have dental implants or not, smoking is terrible.
Plus, smoking when you have gotten dental implants done recently reduces blood flow to your gums, which means slower healing and a much higher chance of failure. Some studies show smokers have double the failure rate compared to non-smokers.
Similarly, heavy drinking can also interfere with healing and weaken the bone that supports your implant.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your dental implants comes down to common sense and consistency. Brush gently but thoroughly. Floss daily. Avoid damaging foods. See your dentist regularly. Skip the cigarettes.
The best dental implants can last 20, 30, or even 40 years with proper care. A few extra minutes each day means years of confident smiling and comfortable eating.