If you have dental implants to replace missing teeth or are considering getting them, you may already be aware of the range of benefits they offer. From filling in gaps to preventing additional tooth loss, dental implants are an excellent way to assure the longevity of your smile. As helpful as they are, neglecting to take care of your dental implants by engaging in harmful behaviors can cause them to fail. So you know what to avoid, read on to learn about five bad habits that you should never do with dental implants.
Habit #1: Bad Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush your teeth often enough, this will raise your chances of developing oral health issues like gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to both loss of your natural teeth and your dental implants. Make sure to brush twice per day and floss every night before bed to remove plaque from your teeth and eliminate food particles and bacteria that built up in your mouth throughout the day to avoid these issues.
Habit #2: Consuming Too Much Sugar
When we eat sugar, this feeds harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria release acids that attack the outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel, which may ultimately lead to cavities. Though dental implants can’t get cavities, your natural teeth still can. If the decay becomes bad enough, you may have to have it extracted. Leaving the spot where the tooth used to be empty can lead to jawbone deterioration, which may ultimately cause your implants to fail. Therefore, to expand the lifespan of your dental implants, make sure to cut back on your sugar consumption.
Habit #3: Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Smoking sharply raises your chances of developing gum disease, oral cancer, and a range of other cancers. It also causes dry mouth, which lets oral bacteria thrive, and makes it hard for the body to heal properly. Additionally, dental implants in the mouths of smokers are up to three times more likely to fail than in nonsmokers. If you need help cutting this habit out to save your implants, ask your dentist, doctor, or therapist for resources.
Habit #4: Biting Non-food Items
Biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth to open bottles, cans, and packages can cause chips and cracks to form in both your natural teeth and your implants. This may also introduce new bacteria into your mouth, which may ultimately raise your chances of developing oral health issues. Have the right tools on hand to avoid temptation and chew on sugar-free gum to keep your mouth occupied.
Habit #5: Skipping Dental Checkups
If you don’t visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleaning, they won’t be able t identify and treat oral health issues as soon as they arise. Make sure to visit your dentist for biannual visits to avoid these issues and make your implants last as long as possible.
Dental implants are an investment in your oral health, so make sure to take good care of them by avoiding these six bad habits. Show your smile the love it deserves, and you’ll be enjoying a mouth full of healthy, beautiful pearly whites for years to come!
About the Practice
If you’re a resident of Broken Arrow or one of the surrounding communities, Dr. TJ Sprague, Dr. Dylan Droege, and their skilled team at Berkshire Dental Group are here for you. They offer a range of oral health services to help you maintain a beautiful smile. If you’re missing one or more teeth, they can help you complete your smile with dental implants and make you aware of bad habits you’ll want to avoid to make them last. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment, call Berkshire Dental Group at (918) 250-9528 or visit their website.