If you have recently invested in dental implants in Lawrenceville – congratulations! You now have a comfortable, effective and stable tooth replacement that will help you eat, speak and smile with confidence. Dental implants are an investment in your health and happiness, and like any investment, you will want to protect it. With proper care, dental implants can remain part of your smile for decades to come – or even a lifetime! Here is a simple guide on how to take care of your new teeth.
Proper Oral Care is Key
Just because dental implants are durable and resistant to cavities and disease, does not mean that you can neglect them when cleaning your mouth. Indeed, practicing good oral hygiene is critical to keeping both artificial and natural teeth in good shape.
Even though plaque may not harm your dental implants, it can stick to them and cause problems to adjacent natural teeth and gums. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice every day for a full two minutes each time, carefully cleaning the top, outer and inner surfaces of your dental implants.
In addition, do not forget to floss at least once a day as well. Gum disease is a leading cause of dental implant failure, so be sure to remove those tiny bits of food that can get stuck between implants and teeth.
Why You Should Avoid Sugary Foods
The foods and drinks you consume on a daily basis will always have an impact on your oral health. Although dental implants do not decay like natural teeth, sugar can still stick to their sides. Sugar, of course, is a primary reason for harmful plaque buildup that can lead to gum disease. As long as your gums are vulnerable to disease, your dental implants are vulnerable to failure. Try to maintain a balanced diet and avoid consuming too many foods and drinks with high sugar levels.
Do Not Skip the Trip to the Dentist
With or without dental implants, regular trips to the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings are key to achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. During biannual dental checkups, a dentist will verify the dental implant remains stable and integrated, check the status of the crowns or bridges and make any necessary adjustments. For a healthy mouth and dazzling smile, follow the recommendation of the American Dental Association and see your dentist every six months.
Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for tooth replacement that can give you a full, confident smile for many years to come – just be sure to follow the simple advice listed above!
About the Author
With over 30 years’ experience, Dr. Bruce E. Carter is the dentist families in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas trust to transform their smiles. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Carter has also taken numerous continuing education courses on advanced dental restorative procedures and implant dentistry. To learn more about aftercare for dental implants, contact Dr. Carter today via his website or by calling the office at 770-995-7616.