If you haven’t heard, dental implants are one of the most successful treatments in dentistry. Even so, they need proper care and maintenance to truly shine. While they’re designed to be durable, your daily habits can actually play a huge role in their longevity. In fact, with just a few simple lifestyle changes, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your implants. If you’re curious about which habits you might need to break or improve for the sake of your smile, continue reading!
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Even though dental implants can’t decay like regular teeth, the surrounding gum tissue and bone are still vulnerable to bacteria. Keeping your mouth clean is critical for avoiding peri-implantitis, a condition that can cause your implants to fail. Here’s what you can do to step up your game:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes each time.
- Steer clear of abrasive toothpaste with added ingredients like charcoal to protect the surface of your restorations.
- Don’t skip flossing—it removes plaque that can accumulate around the implant.
- Consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine for an extra layer of protection.
Cut Back on Smoking and Vaping
Smoking, using other tobacco products, and vaping are some of the biggest risks to dental implant success. These products contain chemicals that can slow healing, reduce blood flow to your gums, and increase the risk of gum disease. Altogether, smoking and vaping can weaken the support structures around your implant.
If you’re a regular user of smoke and vape products, quitting is one of the best steps you can take to protect your implants and your overall health. However, quitting can be difficult, so try to take small steps at first by cutting back your use. There are also plenty of resources available for people who are serious about quitting, so take advantage of them!
Get Help for Bruxism
Chronic teeth-grinding (bruxism) can put a lot of wear and tear on your dental implants, potentially loosening or damaging them over time. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your oral surgeon about getting a custom nightguard. Depending on your diagnosis, you can also try reducing stress through mindfulness, exercise, or therapy to help you manage this habit.
See Your Oral Surgeon Regularly
Routine dental visits are vital for spotting potential issues before they get worse. During regular checkups, your oral surgeon can thoroughly examine your mouth to help you keep a close eye on your implants and oral health.
So, aim for at least two cleanings per year, and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice anything that makes you uncomfortable around your implants.
By adopting these lifestyle changes, you can maximize the lifespan of your dental implants and support a healthy, confident smile. Small daily habits add up to long-term success, so take charge of your oral health and prepare to enjoy the benefits!
About the Author
Dr. J. Darrell Steele is an accomplished oral surgeon with a doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Since graduation, he has served the Dallas area for decades, offering expert placement for dental implants and other intricate procedures. Today, he’s an active member of the Texas Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons where he continues to hone his skills. Call (972) 315-3355 to schedule a consultation at Steele Oral Surgery or visit our website to explore our other services.
