Dentists often say that dental implants can be a lifechanging replacement because of how they enable patients to eat more foods, preserve their facial features, and enjoy a fuller smile. But maybe you haven’t thought about literally changing your life.
Dental implants are generally hardy devices; however, certain habits can make or break their longevity. Keep reading to learn what you can do to help your implants last as long as possible!
Create a Solid Oral Hygiene Routine
Twice daily brushing and once daily flossing go a long way towards mitigating bacteria growth in your mouth. These harmful invaders accumulate as you go about your day and letting them fester can lead to gum disease or tooth decay in natural teeth.
Basically, even if all of your teeth are inorganic, gum disease can still wreak havoc by shrinking your gumline and dislodging your implants. Devoting just four minutes a day (that’s 2 minutes each session for those of you who want the math) to oral hygiene makes a huge difference!
Quit Bad Dental Habits
Nail biting, ice crunching, opening packages with your teeth – any activity that involves gnawing on something hard or rough can prematurely wear down your dental implants. Tobacco products and overindulgence in alcohol can also be a problem, as they’re heavily associated with gum disease and slow down your body’s healing process.
Find Exercise That You Enjoy
Consistent exercise is good for your overall health, of course, but some can indirectly support your dental implants as well. For example, activities that make you carry your own weight (like walking, running, dancing, hiking, etc.) can help you preserve your bone density, which is something your jaw needs in order to keep your implants in place.
Even just standing in the sunshine for about 30 minutes per day can make an impact! This is enough time to get you a full dose of vitamin D, which promotes bone growth and strengthens your immune system against gum disease.
In Summary
Transforming your daily routine isn’t easy, but making sustainable health choices like these will ultimately extend your dental implant’s lifespan. That means you’ll likely spend less time and money on repairs and replacements, and more time simply enjoying the benefits of your new teeth. So don’t forget to brush and get some steps in before the day ends, and bon appetit!
About the Practice
Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez partner with the best surgical specialists available to help ensure their patients receive the best dental implant treatment possible. They also realize that each patient’s smile is different, and your needs might not be the same as someone else’s. That’s why they emphasize individualized treatment planning! If you’d like to know more about what personal choices you can make to promote long-lasting dental implants, contact Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez’s office at 936-427-9070.