How to Care for Your Dental Implants: Tips for Maintaining Oral Health By Dr. Andrew Kelly
Dental implants offer a natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. While they are made to be long-lasting and low-maintenance, proper care is needed to ensure longevity and good oral health. Following a few key practices from Dr. Andrew Kelly can help in keeping dental implants in the best condition.
Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and food particles from around the implants and natural teeth. It is important to use a toothbrush designed for dental implants to avoid damaging the gum tissue.
Flossing daily is needed for cleaning between the implants and adjacent teeth, where a toothbrush may not reach. Special implant floss or interdental brushes can be used to clean around the implant posts and prevent plaque buildup.
Lastly, using an antibacterial mouthwash can further enhance the cleanliness and reduce the risk of infection. Mouthwashes that antimicrobial agents help to reduce plaque formation around dental implants. Dr. Andrew Kelly recommends to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritating the gums or causing dryness.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Professional cleanings every six to twelve months help to remove tartar and plaque that cannot be eliminated easily. During visits, the dentist will check the health of the implants, assess the surrounding gum tissue, and ensure that the implants are functioning properly.
Also, symptoms such as gum swelling, bleeding, or discomfort around the implant site may indicate issues that require professional attention. Early detection of potential problems allows for prompt intervention, reducing the risk of more serious conditions like peri-implantitis.
Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations
To protect dental implants, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that can put excessive pressure on the implants. Maintaining a balanced diet that supports oral health and avoids excessive sugar consumption helps in preserving the integrity of the implants.
Also, quitting smoking or using tobacco products is highly recommended to ensure the longevity and health of dental implants. For Dr. Andrew Kelly, tobacco use can lead to gum disease and bone loss, which can compromise the stability of the implants.
