How To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene With Dental Implant

Are you ready for replacement of the missing tooth or teeth with the most durable dental implants? If the answer is yes then, congratulations on making a good decision regarding the choice of long-term solution to tooth replacement. Also dental implants are quite affordable and referred to as a pocket-friendly dental treatment nowadays. 

Whether you’re getting a single implant or replacement of a full upper or lower arch with a dental implant, post-operative maintenance of the same is of paramount importance. Whether it be supported removable or fixed dentures, it is essential to know how to care and maintain a good oral hygiene for the longevity of the new artificial tooth or teeth.

As we know there are many options for the replacement of teeth, dental implants are the most recommended tooth replacement option by dentists across the world to restore beautiful smiles. This is not just because dental implants have unmatched or unique quality to quickly fuse to the present living jaw bone but also because they are designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. Also, dental implants give you more confidence to smile, eat and speak as they never usually slip or shift like removable dentures.

Dental implants are resistant to wear and tear and also last for a lifetime. It is the biggest advantage of dental implants across the world. So it’s important to clean the dental implant properly as with natural teeth, for its longevity.

You should know a few important points about care and maintaining good oral hygiene for the longevity of implants.

Brush twice a day

Few people think they don’t need to clean or brush their implants daily, because they aren’t supposed to decay like natural teeth. However, this type of behavior is not good and results in poor oral hygiene practices causing many problems or infections to oral health. It is true that implants are artificial teeth or teeth but still, they need to be brushed daily just like natural teeth. Brushing the dental implants twice each day will help to remove bacteria, food lodgement, and plaque that can accumulate around the natural teeth as well as dental implants and cause inflammation of the soft tissues or gum.

Also, an important point to keep in mind is to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes. Also, clean the tongue properly with a tongue scraper or toothbrush every time while brushing. Try a battery-operated or electric toothbrush to minimize food particles or plaque. Ideally, brushing the teeth gently with circular and back-and-forth motions. The toothbrush should always be rinsed properly with clean running water and keep it dry with air and in an upright position before it is used again. The toothbrush should be replaced after every 3 months or earlier if bristles become dirty or irregular.

Floss Daily

The direction for using dental floss is not a very big task, but remember some points mentioned below.

The length of dental floss is approximately 46 cm (18 inches) and then wind the almost 2/3rd of the floss around one hand’s middle finger and the remaining part around the other hand’s middle finger. Here the ideal grip on the dental floss should be tight between the forefingers and thumbs.

If you want to maintain good oral hygiene with a dental implant, flossing is also important like brushing. Floss carefully between each dental implant to keep infection and bacteria away from the oral cavity and also protect the gum and keep it healthy always with natural teeth.

Receive Regular Cleanings

Maintain good oral hygiene or health and keep the dental implants clean by attending regular dental check-ups and cleaning. Did you notice a pattern yet? Whatever you do to care for natural teeth should be exactly done for your dental implants. When you go for your regular dental cleaning or check-ups the dental specialist will use special tools to clean the dental implants without damaging them. So it’s important to go regularly for dental examinations and not just when you are having any discomfort or pain. Regular checkups can help to prevent the complications of oral cavity infections. Always remember, early diagnosis and treatment of the oral issues and complications of the gums, mouth, and teeth can ensure good oral hygiene and health for a lifetime.

Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods

Eating sticky or hard foods can result in damage to dental implants also. Some foods that should be avoided after dental implant placement include:

• Hard candies
• Caramel
• Ice
• Dry fruit
• Potato chips
• Apple
• Hardshell tacos
• Crusty bread
• Carrots
• Steak.

Dental implants will always stay healthy if you avoid these foods. 

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

In general, avoiding the consumption of alcohol and smoking is a good idea for overall health. However, when you have dental implants, in particular, it’s important to avoid these substances. 

Important to remember, that generally the healing period of dental implants is about 6 months, so during this period smoking is strictly prohibited. Also, the consumption of alcohol has shown a slow healing process after placement of dental implants, so this should also be avoided for dental implants. 

Immediate Aftercare Tips 

Probably,  you are wondering how to take care of the dental implants immediately following the treatment. 

Mostly the patient experiences some pain or swelling over the next 24 hours, which is normal after the treatment. 

Some points are mentioned below that do after the procedure

• After surgery, keep the head elevated and avoid excessively the first 8 to 12 hours.
• In 15 minutes inte keep an ice pack on the face or operated the site if needed.
• Consume soft foods and beverages for the first 24 hours.
• Take medications prescribed  by the doctor
• Avoid rinsing your mouth for 24 hours.

 Schedule Your Checkup

When dental implants are placed properly in position and receive good oral care after placement, they can last a lifetime! Quickly schedule your dental implant consultation with DR. Alka Yadav, in Thyme Dental clinic.

By following these tips to maintain oral hygiene, you can get your lost sparkling beautiful smile.