Dental implants have become increasingly popular over the past decades because of the unique benefits they provide. They’re the only method of replacing teeth that includes a support rod that fuses with your jawbone. As a result, they provide the stimulation necessary to keep your jaw strong and healthy despite any gaps in your smile. Not only that, but they’re capped with a tooth-shaped crown so no one can tell the difference between your natural teeth and your false one(s).
Generally, dental implants are incredibly durable and have a high success rate of 95% in patients under 40 years old, and 85% for those over 40. Despite this, they’re not entirely impervious to harm, so it’s important not to fall into bad habits that could result in their failure. Keep reading to learn 3 things you might be doing that could damage your dental work.
Bad Habit #1: Snacking on Sweets
Once your dental implant has fused with your jawbone, it essentially functions just like the tooth you lost so there aren’t any significant dietary restrictions. There isn’t much worry that you’ll dislodge them by eating something too sticky like you might with dentures, for example.
However, sugary foods still will attract toxic bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease if left to flourish. These can grow progressively worse over time and impact your gums and jawbone which your implant relies on for stability. If your jaw is too weak or your gums too retracted, it could fail.
Bad Habit #2: Using Tobacco Products
Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco can really damage your oral health along with your overall well-being. The nicotine content reduces the oxygen content in your blood and restricts blood flow which means your mouth and gums don’t get what they need to stay healthy. Smoking is particularly risky immediately following your surgical procedure, but that doesn’t mean once you’re healed it’s okay to pick it back up. Even if you’ve had your dental implant for years, if you start smoking you could really do some damage.
Bad Habit #3: Ignoring Dental Hygiene
Although your dental implant itself cannot get a cavity, it’s still important to care for it along with the remainder of your natural pearly whites. If you neglect basic oral care, you’re more prone to cavities and gingivitis, which only worsen in time. Even if you have no natural teeth remaining, it’s still possible to contract gum disease. Over time it can progress into worse issues that lead to implant failure- or worse. Periodontitis has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain heart conditions, for example.
To prevent potential problems, you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each session. Then you should floss your teeth and implant to remove plaque buildup and clear out any microbes. Finally, it’s important to maintain visits with your dentist. If you have an appointment once every 6 months, they’ll be able to catch signs or areas of concern before it becomes too serious.
Now that you know what habits to avoid, you can keep your dental implants in tip-top shape for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Aarati Kalluri has over 20 years of experience creating happier, healthier smiles for patients at all stages of dental development. She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery and her Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics at King George’s Medical University in Lucknow. She then graduated from the University of California in San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Surgery. That makes her an expert at dental implants! If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (503) 352-5116.