If you got dental implants to replace missing teeth, this is an excellent way to prevent oral health issues and to have a full, well-functioning smile. Though they can last a lifetime with proper care, there are several bad habits that can damage your dental implants. Read on to learn about five things that you should avoid to make them last as long as possible.
Habit #1: Bad Oral Hygiene
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Though it’s easy to treat in its early stages, untreated periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, jawbone deterioration, and even the loss of your natural teeth or dental implants. Make sure to brush twice and floss once daily to keep your gums healthy.
Habit #2: Consuming Too Much Sugar
The bacteria in our mouths that cause cavities feed off sugar. This means that consuming large quantities of sugar makes you more likely to develop cavities. If the decay becomes bad enough, you may lose additional teeth, which can lead to jawbone deterioration and implant failure.
Habit #3: Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Do you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products? Doing these things can jeopardize your new teeth. The likelihood of smokers developing gum disease is at least twice that of nonsmokers. They are also 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer as well as several other types of cancer. These conditions may lead to implant failure, so be sure to speak with your therapist, doctor, or dentist if you need help quitting.
Habit #4: Biting Non-food Items
Do you find yourself chewing on the tip of your pen or using your teeth to open bottles and packages? Using your teeth as tools or to bite down on non-food items can damage both them and your dental implants. Cracks or chips may form, which will jeopardize your restorations and will need to be corrected by your dentist.
Habit #5: Skipping Dental Checkups
Don’t wait until an oral health issue arises to visit your dentist. Even without implants, making an appointment every six months is an important part of keeping your smile healthy. During these appointments, your hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove buildups of plaque and tartar. Then, your dentist will examine your mouth to see if there are any signs of oral health issues. If they detect any, you will work together to come up with a treatment plan to prevent implant failure.
As you can see, there are several things that can damage your restorations and jeopardize your smile. Make your grin last by avoiding these five bad habits. Your dentist (and your implants) will thank you for it!
About the Practice
Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Luckily, Kobza Dental, P.C. offers high-quality dental implants that can fill in the gaps in your grin and prevent other oral health issues from developing. They utilize advanced in-house 3D imaging technology to ensure that the placement of your implants is more predictable and your new smile is a success. Are you ready to set up a consultation with Kobza Dental, P.C. or do you want more information on dental implants? If so, visit their website or call their office at (402) 245-2243 to get started.