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Dental implants can last you a lifetime. Not much can phase these hardy replacements, and yet, depending on the choices you make during and after treatment, you could be introducing them to a greater risk of failure. Switching up your lifestyle now could mean having reliable dental implants for years to come, so if you’re interested in forming some implant-friendly habits, keep reading!
#1. Regular Oral Hygiene
A simple way you can promote implant success is by sticking with a consistent oral hygiene routine. Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing helps mitigate bacteria build up – when harmful oral bacteria are allowed to grow unchecked, it can result in nasty tooth decay or gum disease.
These conditions will make it difficult for your dental implants to stay in place, so it’s best to sit tight and brush for the recommended two minutes it takes to do a thorough sweep of your mouth.
#2. Biannual Dental Visits
Brushing and flossing takes care of everyday bacteria, but do you know what to do for the sort that has formed a slimy film on the surface of your teeth? This film is called plaque, and at-home products aren’t typically strong enough to eliminate it. This is where your dentist comes in. With biannual checkups and cleanings, they can scrub dangerous plaque from your teeth regularly – and check for potential tooth decay and gum disease, too!
#3. Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco can be a hard habit to kick. However, the chemicals in tobacco products can increase your risk of infection, especially during recovery, and also slow down the healing process. Smoking or chewing tobacco could give you lifelong struggles with your oral health and your dental implants. Lean on your support network if you need help quitting, and keep your dentist in the loop so they can help you stay ahead of complications.
#4. Get Plenty of Rest!
Here’s another easy one – get plenty of sleep. Men need about 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep, while emerging research is showing women need closer to 8 to 10 hours. While you rest, your body will be hard at work finding and destroying harmful bacteria, repairing cells, releasing important hormones for your heart and blood vessels, and so much more. Basically, sleep will make it easier for your body to take care of you and support your implants.
For the vast majority of cases, dental implants are successful, even after 10 years of use. However, it’s best to put yourself in a position that promotes your wellness, so you can support dental implants long after the 10-year mark! Follow these tips and keep your dentist in the loop, and you’ll be able to feel good about your smile for decades.
About the Practice
At Sunny Dental & Orthodontics, we have three highly experienced dentists and an excellent orthodontist on staff. We want to help ensure that your treatment progresses as smoothly as possible so you can get to enjoying your dental implants. If that means helping you schedule regular checkups and cleanings or providing personalized oral care tips, we’d be happy to do just that! To contact our office, call 469-765-8050.
