Daily dental care is very important, even for those with perfect dental health. If you have a dental implant, you will want to take a little extra care to protect your smile. Read on for helpful tips about oral care for those with dental implants from the experts at Parkcrest Dental Group.
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1 – Keep Up With Daily Cleaning
A thorough daily cleaning is a fundamental part of oral care for all patients, but for those with a dental implant, it is even more important. Carefully cleaning around the implant is critical, and a handful of tools and few tips can help. Begin with a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is easier on your gums and the enamel of your teeth. Soft bristles are highly recommended for dental implants because hard bristled brushes can scratch the surface of the dental implant. Try using an interdental brush to get in the nooks and crannies around your dental implant. Finally, use a good therapeutic mouthwash to wash away any remaining bacteria and food debris.
2 – Protect Your Dental Implants
There are many things that can damage your teeth on any given day, and dental implants are no exception. If you play sports, always wear a mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a protective mouthpiece to avoid cracking your dental implant. Crunching hard foods with your teeth, such as hard candy, unshelled nuts and ice cubes, should be avoided. Avoid using your teeth for anything but chewing! That means no opening bottle caps, no ripping plastic packaging, and no tearing duct tape with your teeth!
3 – Follow a Healthy Diet
For every dental patient, a good diet is a key ingredient to dental health, and that is even more important when you have dental implants. Just like fillings or crowns, you need to take extra care of any area in your mouth that has undergone a major dental procedure. Increased chance of infection near the implant means it’s even more important to avoid sugary foods and drinks that can result in bacteria growth and infection. When you do indulge in a sweet snack, make sure to brush your teeth soon after.
4 – Dentist Visits are Even More Important
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone see their dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and exams. If you have dental implants, it may be necessary to have check-ups with your dentist more often, perhaps every three months. Your dentist will carefully examine your dental implant for any signs of emerging issues, so you can get treatment long before they become serious problems.
5 – Treat Dental Emergencies Right Away
Whether you have a dental implant or not, dental emergencies do happen. A patient may be in a car accident or sports game and damage their teeth. If something happens and you have a dental emergency, no matter what time of day or night, contact your dentist or your doctor and seek the proper medical attention. With excellent dental care, most emergency dental problems can be solved easily, but you have to act fast!
Trust the Experience of Parkcrest Dental Group
At Parkcrest Dental Group, we have extensive experience in delivering great dental health for our patients, and that means you! We specialize in taking care of patients with dental implants, and we are happy to help you protect your perfect smile! Contact us today to find out how we can help.
