Have you recently received your dental implants to restore your complete smile? While these restorations may be the pinnacle of modern tooth replacements, you’ll want to implement ways to ensure they last as long as possible. Fortunately, you can do this with just a few simple lifestyle changes. Keep reading to learn a few easy adjustments you can make so that you can make the most of your new pearly whites.
#1: Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
First and foremost, keeping your mouth clean every day is essential for your dental implants, smile, and overall health. Though they won’t ever get cavities, it doesn’t mean they won’t be vulnerable to bacteria and disease in the areas around your metal posts. One of the biggest culprits of implant failure is peri-implantitis—an infection in the gums and connective tissues holding them in place. To avoid this, simply brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash twice a day or more. You should also visit your dentist every six months for checkups, that way you can be sure that you’re free of any underlying complications.
#2: Stick to a Healthier Diet
Other than keeping your teeth clean, you’ll also want to maintain a healthy diet to promote better oral and overall well-being. While sugars and starches aren’t bad themselves, consuming them too frequently can leave you susceptible to bacterial growth. Instead, try keeping a balanced diet consisting of nutritious vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Be sure to also drink plenty of water and exercise often to help minimize your risk of issues like diabetes and hypertension—both of which can negatively impact your dental implants.
#3: Avoid Smoking & Other Poor Oral Habits
Using tobacco products has long been associated with a higher chance of developing serious problems like oral cancer and gum disease. Smoking can also interfere with your dental implant recovery process, making them more likely to fail either within the first week or years later. You’ll also want to avoid bad habits like chewing on hard objects or using teeth as tools, which can easily cause your implants to get damaged.
Although your titanium posts will likely stand the test of time, making these small lifestyle changes can raise the success rate significantly. Keep these tips in mind, and you should be able to enjoy your newly rebuilt smile for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem has well over a decade of experience providing exceptional, personalized dental care. He earned his doctorate at Temple University, regularly seeks advanced training in state-of-the-art technology, and is a member of several organizations, including the International Dental Implant Association. If you’d like to know more about caring for your dental implants or need to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call him at 856-818-9998.
