There Is No "One Key" To Great Dental Health

Three Ways To Ensure Your Dental Implants Last As Long As Possible

Dental implants are considered the best option when it comes to replacing missing teeth, mostly because they look and perform just like natural teeth, and they can last a very long time in the mouth. In fact, many dental implants can last a lifetime – but only if you care for them properly. Here are three things you can do to ensure your dental implants last as long as possible.

Brush and floss like it's your job.

Brushing and flossing is important for everyone, but as someone with dental implants, it's even more important for you. Though the implants themselves cannot develop cavities, they can begin to weaken if you do not take care of the tissues around them. Regular brushing prevents gum disease, which ensures you will have plenty of healthy gum tissue to keep holding those implants in place. A couple of simple tips for better brushing and flossing include:

  • Setting a timer to ensure you brush for the full recommended 2 minutes.
  • Packing floss in your wallet or purse so you can use it on-the-go.
  • Setting a reminder in your phone to ensure you replace your toothbrush every 3 months. (A worn out brush won't do a good job).

Wear a mouth guard at night.

Night time teeth grinding and clenching is incredibly common. Some people grind or clench nightly, and others only do it when they are stressed. Since it is impossible to know for sure when you go to bed whether you will grind your teeth that night, get into the habit of always wearing a mouth guard when you sleep.  Your dentist can design one that is comfortable and won't cause your teeth to shift.

Say "no" to sugar.

As previously mentioned, your implants cannot experience decay – but the teeth around them can. If your other teeth start to deteriorate, the tissues surrounding your implants may become infected, and this can lead to the need for implant replacement. Sugar feeds the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay, so by avoiding sugar whenever possible, you're helping to preserve your natural teeth and your implants.

 For more advice on keeping your implants in good shape, talk to your dentist. Also, remember to attend your regular dental checkups! Your dentist can catch any issues and treat them early, so that they hopefully don't impact the state of your implants.

To learn more, contact a dentist near you!


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