Dental implants from Dodds Dental are an excellent way to permanently restore your missing teeth. But what happens after your treatment is finally complete, and you’ve got a new set of beautiful teeth? How do you keep your teeth and your dental implants healthy?
The good news is that dental implants don’t require much special care. For the most part, you can treat them just like your normal teeth. So read on, and see how you can keep your new smile healthy and bright.
1. Brush At Least Twice A Day For Two Minutes
Dental implants can’t get cavities, but your natural teeth sure can! So make sure you’re brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, and that you’re cleaning all of your natural teeth and your dental implants, too. Brushing once in the morning and once after your final meal of the day is ideal.
2. Make Sure You’re Using ADA-Accepted Fluoride Toothpaste
Again, dental implants can’t get cavities. But fluoride is still very important for your other teeth, and fluoride toothpaste also is antimicrobial. This means that it can kill bacteria that cause gum disease, which is a very common dental problem, especially for seniors and older adults. So when you shop, make sure you pick up some toothpaste that contains fluoride, and is accepted as safe and effective by the ADA.
3. Swap Your Toothbrush Or Toothbrush Head Every Three Months
As they age, toothbrushes become less effective. The bristles tend to soften and splay outward, which means they can’t remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth as effectively. Make sure you replace your toothbrush or your electric toothbrush head every three months.
4. Floss Once A Day To Clean Between Your Teeth And Implants
Bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up between both your implants and your natural teeth, and raise your risk of gum disease and infections. So make sure you’re flossing at least once per day to keep the spaces between your teeth clean. There’s no substitute for regular flossing, since brushing alone can’t clean these tight spaces.
5. Use Interdental Brushes To Clean Bridges And Implant-Supported Dentures
If you have an implant-supported bridge or a set of permanent, implant-supported dentures, you may need to buy interdental brushes to clean them properly. These are very small brushes that can clean below your bridges and remove debris from the space between your bridge and gums.
6. Avoid Habits That Could Damage Your Teeth And Implants
Your implants are strong, but they can still be chipped or damaged, just like your natural teeth. So avoid chewing non-food objects like ice, pens, and pencils. Don’t use your teeth or your implants as tools to do things like tear open packages or rip tape. And if you think that you tend to grind or clench your teeth, ask Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin Dodds about a night guard to help protect your teeth and implants from damage.
7. See A Dentist Every Six Months For A Teeth Cleaning And Oral Exam
Finally, make sure you come back to Dodds Dental every six months for a quick oral exam and teeth cleaning. Your routine dental visits allow Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin to keep an eye on your natural teeth and your implants, too. You’ll avoid any nasty surprises, and you can get help right away if they notice any oral health issues that need some attention.
Need To Replace Missing Teeth? Find Out If Dental Implants Are Right For You
Dental implants in Long Beach look and feel natural, last 30+ years with proper care, and require minimal special care. So if you’ve lost one or more teeth, find out if dental implants are right for you at Dodds Dental in Long Beach.
Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin Dodds have years of experience with dental implants. They can examine your mouth, learn more about your oral health, and help you decide if dental implants are the right way to restore your smile. Contact us online or give us a call at (562) 222-3650 to get started today.
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