It is possible for dental implants to last for a lifetime of smiles. However, taking good care of your implants is vital for longevity. This involves a combination of proper home care and also professional care.
Thorough oral hygiene is vital in order to prevent the area around the implant being susceptible to disease. Such as peri-implant mucositis. This is a bacterial disease that is due to poorly cleaned dental implants which causes inflammation in the gums. Whilst this is highly preventable, if left untreated it can lead to bone loss itself which in turn will reduce support for the implant making it loose and running the risk of it coming out.
Brushing
A great benefit of dental implants is that they are so similar to natural teeth including the way that can be treated. You can brush the implant the same you would a normal tooth. Although it is worth considering to invest in an electric toothbrush depending on where your implant is located. This will help to get to those hard to reach areas.
When brushing, be sure to pay attention to the implant-supported tooth, and the surfaces where the gum and implant meet. There are toothbrushes purposely made for implant care you may like to try. Such as some with an angled neck to help reach the inside surface or others which have a slim brush which is ideal for cleaning the outside surface.
Flossing
Just like natural teeth, your implants will also still require flossing! Flossing and brushing go hand in hand in maintaining a healthy-looking smile. So if your goal is to keep your smile looking attractive then it is essential to floss daily.
Watch Sugar Intake
Whilst it is indeed great news that implants do not decay you still will have to be mindful of your sugar intake in order to reduce plaque. Plaque can still build up around your implant which can cause gums disease. So whilst your implant will not decay, the gum around can certainly suffer which will leave your implant vulnerable. You don’t have to cut out sweet treats entirely though! Just be aware of the impact what you consume has on your oral health and take precautionary steps to limit their impact.
Regular Check Ups
To maintain the health of your implants, we highly recommend regular check-ups and cleans at the practice. These visits are integral in monitoring the progress of your implant and to detect any red flags. These issues can then be caught early on ensuring you a healthy mouth and peaceful mind.
If you have any concerns about your dental implants or would like any further advice on how to clean yours then contact