Everyone develops certain habits that can be challenging to break, especially if they don’t always seem harmful at first glance. However, some things can end up putting your smile at risk of damage or other complications, even if you’ve just recently received brand-new dental implants. To maintain your fully rebuilt smile, here are several habits you’ll want to avoid if you want your results to last as long as possible.
High Sugar Intake
Sugar in moderation isn’t all that bad. The bacteria that can start to feed on your pearly whites? Not so good. Overindulging in sugary treats can make your smile vulnerable to problems like gum disease and decay. While your dental implants themselves won’t get cavities, the oral tissues surrounding them can become compromised. Be sure to limit your sugar intake so you can minimize bacteria accumulation.
Forgetting to Brush & Floss
Although dental implants serve as your new and natural-looking teeth, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to take care of them anymore. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash will still be crucial to the preservation of your pearly whites. Remember to practice your oral hygiene routine at least once in the morning and right before going to bed to make the most of your results.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
When was the last time you used your pearly whites to rip apart some tape? Maybe you’ve even done something as simple as holding your car keys with your teeth. While these actions might not seem detrimental, there’s always a small chance that an accident can happen. One wrong bite and you might end up chipping or loosening your implants, which can cost more money to fix or replace. Instead, keep the proper tools handy to avoid harming your new teeth.
Smoking Tobacco
Using tobacco products is incredibly harmful to your oral and overall health. Not only can they increase the risk of oral cancer, but they can also impact your gum tissue, leading to an infection that can raise the possibility of implant failure. Due to the potential of promoting bacterial growth around the teeth and gums, it’s best to avoid smoking or vaping altogether to preserve your smile.
Foregoing Dental Checkups
Other than cleaning your teeth at home, visiting your dentist biannually is the best way to protect your oral health. During your appointments, they’ll monitor your teeth and gums and address any underlying or growing issues they might detect before they worsen. This can help you avoid complications to your dental implants in the long run, that way you can make the most of your results with peace of mind.
Though it can be difficult to break habits that have been built over the years, doing so can allow you to make the most of your dental implants for decades to a lifetime. Feel free to speak with your dentist if you need support or resources for overcoming certain routines, and they’ll be glad to help!
About the Author
Dr. Gabrielle C. Dizon was raised in the heart of Dallas, TX, and is truly dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care her patients deserve. She’s constantly refining her skills through her membership in various professional organizations and has even been revered as a “Best of Big D” Best Dentist in D Magazine for several years in a row. If you want to know more about caring for your dental implants or need to set up an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at 214-646-6202.