If you have one or more missing teeth, you may want to consider dental implants to fill in the gaps in your smile. Not only can they make you feel more confident in the appearance of your pearly whites, but they can also allow you to gain back at least 80% of your bite power. As the most advanced tooth replacement option on the market, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Even so, several bad habits should be avoided to prevent damage to your restorations. Keep reading to learn about six bad habits that you should avoid to make your dental implants last as long as possible.
#1: Bad Oral Hygiene
Some patients may think that because dental implants can’t get cavities they don’t need to be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. In reality, not taking proper care of your dental implants may lead to cavities in surrounding teeth, gum disease, and even additional tooth loss. To prevent these issues from occurring, brush twice and floss once per day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your implants or remaining teeth and fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your pearly whites against decay.
#2: Too Much Sugar
Harmful oral bacteria feed on sugar in the foods we eat and release acids that attack our tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities. Foods that are high in starches and carbs break down into sugar in the mouth, so they can harm our teeth in the same way. Make sure to cut back on sweets and high-carb foods to lessen your chances of losing additional teeth or experiencing implant failure due to gum disease damaging the bone in the jaw.
#3: Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products drastically raises your chances of getting oral cancer as well as a range of other cancers. It also makes it more difficult for your body to heal and causes your mouth to dry out, which lets oral bacteria thrive. Additionally, dental implants are up to three times as likely to fail in the mouths of smokers than nonsmokers.
#4: Nail Biting
Biting your nails can cause both your natural teeth and your dental implants to crack. This bad habit can also introduce new bacteria into your mouth, which may cause damage to your oral health. You also shouldn’t chew on ice, pencils, or any other non-food items. If you need something to keep your mouth occupied, chew on sugar-free gum instead.
#5: Using Teeth as Tools
Don’t use your teeth or dental implants to open bottles, cans, or other packages. This can cause them to crack, chip, or sustain other forms of damage. Make sure to have the right tools on hand to avoid temptation.
#6: Skipping Dental Checkups
Visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings is a key part of maintaining good oral health. Not only will this allow them to remove caked-on plaque and tartar, but it will also let them make sure you don’t have any oral health issues that may jeopardize your implants.
Make your investment last by avoiding these six bad habits. Your smile will thank you for it!
About the Practice
Led by five talented dentists and consisting of a highly-skilled staff of oral health professionals, Cove Choice Dental is here to administer the exceptional oral health care you deserve. If you need missing teeth replaced, they offer options like dental implants to fill out your smile, protect your dental health, and allow you to get back to enjoying life to the fullest. To make an appointment or for more information on dental implants, visit their website or call (254) 987-6777.