Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. However, they are not invulnerable to harm. In fact, if they are neglected or subjected to bad habits, they can fail prematurely. What are some habits that you should avoid if you want to protect your prosthetic teeth and help them endure for decades to come? This blog post provides valuable information.
Tobacco Use
Smoking and other tobacco products reduce blood flow, slow healing, and increase inflammation in your gums. They also raise your risk of infection around the implants, which can lead to bone loss and implant failure. If you want to protect your investment, avoid tobacco in every form. If you need help to quit, turn to your physician, dentist, or a tobacco cessation program for support.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene allows plaque and bacteria to collect around your implants. Over time, this buildup can irritate your gum tissue and cause peri-implantitis, a type of gum disease that is the leading cause of dental implant failure. To minimize your risk of peri-implantitis, you should brush twice a day, clean between your teeth with floss or other interdental tools, and follow other oral hygiene instructions from your dental team.
Unwise Dietary Choices
What you eat can affect the health of your implants and the tissues around them. A diet that is high in sugar and processed foods can feed harmful bacteria and support inflammation in your mouth. Very hard foods can also place extra stress on your restorations. Choose a balanced diet that features lots of lean protein, vegetables, fruit, and calcium-rich foods. Ask your dental team if you have questions about how specific foods or nutrients could affect your dental implants.
Failing to Protect Your Implants from Physical Trauma
Physical trauma can damage both your implants and the restorations attached to them. Biting on ice, opening packages with your teeth, or clenching and grinding can all place unnecessary pressure on your prosthetic teeth. Protect your implants with smart habits. Do not use your teeth as tools, avoid very hard objects, and wear a mouthguard if you play sports or if your dentist says you clench your teeth at night.
Neglecting Routine Dental Visits
Routine dental visits play an important role in long-term implant success. Your dentist can check the condition of your implants, spot early signs of inflammation, and remove harmful buildup from areas where plaque and tartar have accumulated. If you skip these visits, small problems can become major complications. Make it your goal to see your dentist for routine care at least twice a year.
Good habits support dental implants, but bad habits can be destructive! Make necessary changes so your restored smile can stay in good shape for the long haul.
Meet the Practice
At Aveni Dental Professionals, we are proud to provide comprehensive dental implant services, including dental implant maintenance and preventive care. If you have questions about how to protect your prosthetic teeth, we would be pleased to speak with you. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Plymouth, MA, office at 508-217-7454.