Dental implants make for excellent solutions following an injury or problems resulting from periodontal disease. Your implants are stronger than natural teeth, and you don’t have to worry about decay or cavities. However, dental implants do require a bit of protection, especially in the days following the surgery. This blog post looks at what dental implants are and four things you can do to keep them healthy. 

Normal healthy teeth are attached by periodontal ligaments. These ligaments give your teeth a little bit of space to move around. Dental implants are fused to the bone which doesn’t allow for any movement. Because dental implants don’t move, it’s crucial to pay extra care to your bone and gum health in the implant area. When dental implants get loose, you’re at risk for infection and other periodontal issues.

1. Pay Special Attention To Brushing

Brushing is a crucial part of maintaining your dental implants. It’s worth your money to invest in an interdental toothbrush which is designed to provide a thorough clean in between your teeth. Interdental brushes make it easier to clean concave surfaces and reduce plaque in between your teeth. Electric toothbrushes are also worth the investment for a more thorough clean.

Brushing twice a day keeps the level of bacteria in your mouth under control. Keeping your gums healthy makes maintaining your dental implants a much easier process. Your teeth will be sore in the days following your surgery; however, this is the most critical time to keep up with your brushing. Keeping your mouth clean free of bacteria crucial for helping the wounds heal properly. 

2. Invest In Professional Cleanings

During the first year of wearing your implants, going to the dentist is going to be a crucial part of your recovery. Your dentist can clean areas in your mouth that you simply cannot reach even with an interdental brush. Another thing your dentist can do is give objective advice on how to improve your home care routine.

During the first year, you should see your dentist at minimum every three months. The first year of oral care after getting implants is crucial to giving your implants the best chance to heal. If you notice any problems like bleeding or unexpected pain make sure you call your dentist. Regular checkups will prevent loose implants and helps to facilitate the recovery process.

3. Pay Attention To Your Diet

Your diet has a significant impact on the health of your teeth. After you get your implants, you’ll need to make an effort to avoid sugar. Sugary foods contribute to plaque buildup which impacts the health of your implants. Foods high in sugar, starch, and acid are all hard on your teeth and make your oral care routine even more important. Limit your consumption of candy, chocolate, soda and sticky foods. If you decide to indulge in these foods once in a while, make sure your brush and floss right after.

4. Make An Extra Effort To Floss

Failing to floss is one of the primary causes of periodontal disease. Although your implants won’t decay, they still require flossing. Flossing prevents plaque from developing in between your teeth and is a crucial part of keeping your gums healthy.  Flossing also keeps food and bacteria from building up in between your implants. Flossing reduces your risk for gingivitis, bleeding gums, and gum disease. Making an extra effort to floss after meals is key to keeping your dental implants in great shape.

It’ll take some extra effort, but paying extra attention to your oral care routine is an excellent way to preserve your investment in your dental implants. Brushing and flossing are crucial for keeping your implants in place and healthy. Use the tips in this blog post to keep your gums, teeth, and implants all in good health.