Dental implants require diligent, regular care in order to keep them in good condition for as long as possible. While implants are less sensitive than natural teeth, poor oral hygiene can easily lead to complications and shorten their lifespan.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to effectively care for your dental implant and avoid infections. Here are the oral hygiene habits you should adopt to keep yourself healthy and make sure your implant lasts.
Thorough care keeps dental implants in good condition
Dental implant care is not so different from caring for natural teeth. Either way, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush three times a day. Toothpaste should be non-abrasive and contain active antibacterial ingredients.
Since a toothbrush can’t reach every crack and crevice, it’s vital to use floss or interdental brushes as part of your oral care routine. That way, you can make sure that any gaps between your teeth and implants are properly cleaned. It’s also beneficial to use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent bacterial accumulation that can lead to gum inflammation and other complications.
It’s best to make these oral hygiene practices part of your daily routine in order to properly care for your dental implants and protect yourself against infection.
Regular dental cleaning and check-ups
Going to the dentist regularly for a cleaning and check-up is also a vital part of proper dental implant care. Twice-yearly dental visits are recommended.
Professional dental cleaning removes bacterial plaque and tartar deposits from teeth and implants. These deposits are usually found in hard-to-reach places and can degrade an implant over time.
The risks of poor dental implant care
Good oral hygiene is important because poor habits can lead to infections and shorten the lifespan of your implant.
One of the most common complications of poor dental implant care is bleeding gums. This is usually a sign of peri-implant mucositis, a localized inflammation of the gums around the implant. If not treated promptly, the inflammation may spread along the implant and become peri-implantitis. At this point, the bone will begin to deteriorate, weakening the implant until it cannot remain in place. The risk of losing the implant entirely emphasizes the importance of good dental implant care.
Note that smoking increases the likelihood that an implant will fail. It causes oral mucosal lesions and gum inflammation that can lead to infection.
Clinique MFML: your source for high-quality dental implants
If you need dental implants, you’re in good hands at Clinique MFML. Our expert team will be able to guide you through the process of dental implant placement, care and maintenance. Feel free to contact our team for more information.
