Are you thinking of getting dental implants? If yes, you ought to be excited because dental implants give you more confidence in your smile. There is no denying the fact that beautiful smiles breed success, enthusiasm, and higher self-esteem, so we see no reason why you shouldn’t be ecstatic about having implants.
However, to have a beautiful smile and enjoy the full advantages of having implants, you must ensure that you practice good dental implant care.
Dental implant care begins right from the very minute you visit the dentist’s office. However, how do you take proper care of your dental implants?
Use a Soft Nylon Brush
Upon having your implants, you may need to change your toothbrushes to nylon toothbrushes. Nylon brushes are made with brittles, making them gentle and pliable on the implants. Getting a Proxabrush is also a good idea, and it helps you clean the difficult-to-reach parts of the dental implants adequately.
You need to avoid toothbrushes with hard bristles because they can scratch the surface of the implant. You need to avoid using metal instruments to clean the mouth when the implants are done. Instead, stick to flossing and regular brushing two times daily.
Avoid Abrasive Products
With mouthwash or toothpaste, you need to continue buying sensitive cleaning products when your implants are in place because abrasive products can result in extreme discomfort for you.
Generally do away with oral hygiene products containing intense flavors, like cinnamon or mint. These can result in discomfort and make you feel uneasy.
Floss Daily
When you get dental implants, you are required to do daily flossing. It is easier for plaque to accumulate faster around the implant if you don’t do your daily flossing, and you can end up having other oral hygiene problems.
Note that you don’t have an excuse for not brushing your teeth because there are many flosses designed explicitly for people with implants.
If you have a difficult time with daily flossing, then try the following tips:
- Set a phone reminder
- Place enough floss in your purse or car
- Reward yourself for flossing
- Floss when watching the TV
Avoid Hard/Sticky Foods
Sticky/hard foods can damage your dental implant. They can also cause damage to your opposing teeth. Avoid the following foods after getting your implants:
- Crusty bread, like French bread
- Steak
- Apples
- Carrots
- Potato chips
- Hardshell tacos
- Hard candies
- Dried fruit
- Caramel
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
Doing away with alcohol and smoking is generally good for your health. But it’s also essential for you to avoid them after having dental implants.
Do not forget that it takes about six months for the dental implants to heal, so smoking during this duration is detrimental to your implant. Alcohol has also been shown to slow down the dental implants’ healing process. So avoid smoking and drinking as much as possible.
Regularly Visit Your Dentist
Dental implants improve and brighten your smile, but they do not cure every dental hygiene problem.
Ensure you visit the dentist at least two times a year, depending on your oral health.
With regular visits to your dentist and proper care, the implants can last for a long time.
Immediate Aftercare Tips
After your dental implants, it’s very likely for you to experience pain and swelling for the next 24 hours. It is normal and should not alarm you. After the implant, do the following:
- Bite the sponges placed in the mouth to control bleeding
- Avoid moving about
- Place a pack of ice on your face at fifteen minutes interval
- Consume only beverages and soft drinks
- Take your medications
- Don’t rinse your mouth for the first twenty-four hours.
