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Dental Implant Care: What to Know
April 28, 2022
Compared to traditional dentures, dental implants are much easier to keep clean. That’s because they are surgically embedded in the jawbone by our Washington, MI, dental implant dentist and function like natural teeth. You don’t need to use sticky adhesives or remove them to prevent plaque buildup.
Here are a few in the long term.
Choose Soft or Sensitive Oral Care Products
After you receive at least one dental implant, you’ll want to switch over to a soft toothbrush and sensitive cleaning products if you haven’t already. These items will prevent any discomfort that may occur and allow for easier oral care.
Nylon toothbrushes work great as the bristles are flexible and gentle on your dental implants. Toothbrushes containing hard bristles can scratch the surface of your implants. Any type of metal instrument used for cleaning should be avoided as well.
Try to also stay away from any toothpaste or mouthwash that is abrasive. Products of this nature can damage the natural enamel of your other teeth and intense flavors can result in an uncomfortable mouth feeling.
Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Even with dental implants, you should continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. In fact, it’s more important to floss after you have received dental implants due to possible plaque accumulation.
Yes, plaque can easily build up around your implants which can result in other oral hygiene issues, like gum disease. Luckily, there are many types of string floss and handheld flossers on the market that are targeted toward people who need to.
Have trouble remembering to floss? Set a reminder on your phone or do it while watching tv so it doesn’t feel like much of a chore.
Say Goodbye to Smoking or Tobacco Products
In general, Dr. Lesinski recommends that you avoid smoking for your overall health. It is especially vital to abstain from this habit when you have dental implants as smoking can interfere with the healing process following surgery.
The healing process for dental implants takes about 6 months so smoking during this sensitive time can be damaging. For the sake of your teeth, gums, and body, we urge you to quit smoking if possible.
Be Cautious of Sticky or Hard Foods After Surgery
Eating any food that is inherently sticky or hard can damage your dental implants soon after recovery. Furthermore, these types of foods can also be harmful to your natural teeth if consumed too regularly.
While dental implants differ from dentures in that they allow for a less restricted diet, proper healing needs to occur first. After your dental implant procedure, try to eat soft foods so your mouth and jaw can rest.
When healing, don’t eat these types of foods:
- Caramel
- Ice
- Mixed nuts
- Hard candies
- Gum
- Apples
- Crusty bread
Once you are fully healed and cleared by Dr. Lesinski, you are welcome to eat your favorite foods again.
Regularly Schedule a Check-up and Cleaning
Dental implants will restore your smile but unfortunately, they will not absolve you of all future dental issues. Dr. Lesinski would still like to see you for routine teeth cleanings every 3-6 months to monitor your oral health.
A visit to our Washington, MI, dental office will also provide you with an opportunity to bring up any concerns you might have regarding your implants. Dr. Lesinski will check on the condition of your dental implants and provide you with helpful advice on care techniques if needed.
Keep Your Dental Implants Clean
Our dental implant dentist in Washington, MI, wants you to enjoy your newly restored smile. We encourage all patients with dental implants to see us for routine cleanings and practice regular oral hygiene at home. Call Washington Family Dental today at (586) 752-4545 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.