How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

Caring for Dental Implants Crystal Lake and HuntleyEven in a world with more dental health products designed to preserve our smile than ever before, tooth loss is a real problem. Our teeth work hard during our lifetime and are have exposure to bacteria, the threat of decay, and disease daily. Cleaning them every day by brushing and flossing is drummed into us from childhood, and mouthwashes and regular visits to your dentist further support our dental health. Nevertheless, the majority of adult Americans will have lost at least one permanent adult tooth by the time they reach their mid-thirties. By age 50, the average U.S. citizen could have lost as many as 12 of them.

Unfortunately, tooth loss is something that can have a severe impact on our confidence and wellbeing, as well as our ability to use our teeth properly. Have you been told you need a dental extraction, or are you already missing at least one tooth? Dental implants might be the right treatment for you! Alternatively, you may already have a bridge or dentures and be looking for a more reliable, standalone solution that does not put pressure on surrounding teeth.

Dental implants are artificial and as such, cannot get cavities like a natural tooth. However, implants can be affected by gum disease; also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis. Thus, gum disease that progresses to moderate or severe stages can put your implants at risk. Furthermore, patients with advanced periodontitis can suffer from jaw bone deterioration that causes implant posts to come loose.

Whether you have dental implants already, or you are considering them for the future, taking proper care of them is essential. Proper implant care will ensure they will remain attractive and in good condition. Here is our guide to taking care of your dental implants.

Brush your teeth every day and do it well!

Brushing is the single most crucial thing that you can do to help protect your natural teeth and preserve your implants. Doing so will remove the food debris that interacts with the natural bacteria in your mouth. Also, this will stop the accumulation of plaque on your teeth that can eventually cause gum disease.

Use a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Brush at least twice each day for at least two minutes each time.

Do the floss!

No, we aren’t talking about the latest dance craze! Proper dental flossing is essential if you want to keep gum disease at bay. The floss gets in the little gaps between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, removing food particles that could later lead to decay and periodontal disease.

Give up smoking

Smoking is terrible for your general health, but it is also bad news for your teeth. Nicotine stains your natural teeth and can also discolor your implants, ruining their naturally attractive appearance. Smokers have also shown to have a significantly higher chance of developing gum disease. There are various reasons for this, including nicotine causing the mouth to become dryer, and a lack of oxygenated blood flow to the gums. By giving up smoking, your health and your dental implants will benefit.

Visit your dentist as requested

Most patients require a check-up with their dentist at least once a year, with some patients being asked to return every six months. Your dentist has had specific education and training in spotting potential dental problems. Such as gum disease, early and before they can cause severe damage to your oral health. Don’t put off your dental appointments. They will help to ensure that your new implants look and feel great for years to come.

For more advice on the best way to look after your dental implants, please contact us and make an appointment at our office. You can also visit our blog about the advantages of dental implants to learn more about the benefits.

We also treat patients in the surrounding neighborhoods of Huntley, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Barrington, West Dundee, East Dundee, McHenry, Woodstock, Pingree Grove, Prairie Grove, Cary, Elgin, South Elgin, and Island Lake.

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