Choosing to get dental implants can be a big deal. It doesn’t matter if you need your implants because of a medical issue or if you want a better smile. The truth is, having the procedure will improve your oral health. You can maintain your new and improved dental implants with a little care that will go a long way.
Good Oral Hygiene
A good way to start is to keep your mouth clean in general. Regular brushing and flossing not only cleans your teeth and gums, but keeps surrounding tissue healthy. That’s important when you have dental implants, because plaque buildup can affect how well those cells attach to the implant.
Know Your Hygienist
Depending on the kind of dental implant you have, it may require cleaning with special brushes and instruments. It’s important to keep your cleaning appointments. As with natural teeth, an infection around the implant can make it sore and unhealthy, increasing the possibility the gums will deteriorate. This can even allow the implant to become loose or fall out.
Watch What You Eat
You want your dental implants to last a long time; part of making that happen is watching what you eat. Indulging in sugary snacks and drinks affects the pH balance in your mouth and creates ripe conditions for bacteria. Avoid too many foods with high acid content or that are hard and extra crunchy. Of course, foods like this are not off limits, but being cautious and limiting abuse to your implant will make it last longer.
Take Charge of Your Health
If you think you may be having issues with your dental implant, it’s imperative to get to the dentist as soon as possible. Call right away for an appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms of infection:
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Bleeding or pus near the implant area
- Pain and fever – this is a sign your body is putting up defenses to protect itself from bacteria
- Red or swollen gums
Get on the Right Track
If you’ve been considering dental implants, or have concerns about the ones you have now, give Mission Bend Family Dentistry a call at 832-895-5110.Emergencies are taken seriously and seen immediately. We are dedicated to giving you that healthy smile you deserve. Visit us online to check out reviews from our patients and find out about all we have to offer!