If you have missing teeth, you know from experience how much it can affect your quality of life. Luckily, dental implants are an excellent solution that can help you eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again! Like natural teeth, implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. That said, a prosthodontist in Lincoln shares a few bad habits you should break to help your new smile lasts as long as possible.
Not Flossing Regularly
One of the advantages of dental implants is that they can’t develop cavities. However, that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day is necessary to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other debris from your teeth and gums. Flossing is important for the same reason, and even more so. It helps remove harmful substances caught between your teeth and around the gumline. Because gum disease is the leading cause of dental implant failure, flossing is a step you should absolutely not skip to protect your connective tissues from injury or infection.
Smoking or Using Tobacco
Smoking and using tobacco products is bad for your entire body, but they’re even worse for dental implants. These poor habits significantly increase your risk of gum disease, making it harder for your bone to regrow and bind with the dental implant. Also, smokers are two to three times more likely to experience implant failure than non-smokers. Therefore, it’s crucial to break the habit to preserve your new smile and maintain good overall health.
Consuming Excess Sugar
It’s no secret that sugar can wreak havoc on teeth. The sweet substance can not only cause cavities but increase your chances of developing gum disease as well. Unfortunately, that common gum infection can eventually lead to tooth and bone loss if left untreated, destroying the tissue that holds your implants in place. You can prevent these issues and keep your oral health in tip-top shape by limiting your sugar intake.
Biting Non-Foods
Do you mindlessly chew on your fingernails, pen caps, ice, or other random objects? Some people pick up these bad habits when they’re stressed or bored. Although it may seem harmless, biting non-foods can quickly result in a damaged dental implant. Plus, it can introduce unwanted bacteria to your mouth and lead to infections that can loosen your implants. If you must chew on something, opt for a piece of sugar-free gum instead!
Missing Dental Checkups
As mentioned earlier, gum disease is the leading cause of dental implant failure. One of the best ways to avoid this infection is by seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing, professional teeth cleanings are crucial for removing harmful substances that contribute to gum disease. Plus, bi-annual visits allow your dentist an opportunity to identify and treat problems before they threaten your implants.
Once you restore your smile with dental implants, you’ll want to protect your investments. By avoiding the bad habits outlined above, you can help your new grin last a lifetime!
About the Practice
At Smile Specialties, we offer comprehensive, exceptional, individually tailored dental services guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. Our team will always go the extra mile to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. If you have missing teeth, we can restore your smile and confidence with dental implants. To learn more, visit our website or call (402) 488-5007.
