Are you planning on getting dental implants? Did you just get yours? You surely must be wondering how to care for them. While dental implants don’t really require constant “maintenance,” they do require a little care if you want them to last you a good time. That’s why we put together a list of 5 tips for looking after your dental implants.

1. Use a Soft Brush

Many dental implant patients mistakenly believe that using a hard bristles brush is a better option as it may “clean the implants better.” This is not true. You can clean your teeth just as well with a soft-bristled brush. In fact, using a hard bristled brush can scratch the surface of your implants. Remember to brush in a circular motion with normal strength. Your implants are basically teeth, so you have to care for them as you normally would with natural teeth.

2. Floss Floss Floss!

Did you know that only 15% of Americans floss every day? That means 84% of people aren’t flossing enough! If you’re part of the larger statistic, it’s time to change things up now that you have dental implants. Flossing is even more important when you have dental implants. Why? Because plaque can accumulate around your implants really easily, which could cause oral hygiene issues. If you don’t normally floss your teeth, starting a new routine can be difficult. If you’re having trouble starting a new flossing routine, you should try setting reminders on your phone or rewarding yourself for meeting your status quo.

3. Skip the Hard/Sticky Foods

Eating hard/sticky foods can potentially damage your dental implants. Let’s not forget that these types of food can also damage regular teeth as well. Once you have your dental implants, you should avoid consuming foods such as:

• Hard candies
• Caramel
• Taffy
• Dried fruit
• Hard-shell tacos
• Carrots
• Crusty bread
• Potato chips
• Steak
• Apples

By avoiding these foods, you’re ensuring healthier and longer-lasting dental implants.

4. Avoid Smoking and Consuming Alcohol

While avoiding smoking and alcohol is a great idea for your health in general, it’s particularly important that you avoid them when you get your dental implants. Remember, it takes your dental implants about six months to heal, so consuming alcohol and smoking will be detrimental. It will significantly slow down the healing process, making it more difficult to recuperate.

5. Immediate Aftercare Tips

You may be wondering what you have to do to care for your dental implants right after the procedure. Normally, you will be experiencing some pain and swelling for the next few days. This is normal, so don’t stress out. Below are some tips on things you should do following the procedure:

• For the first 12 hours post-surgery, avoid excessive moving and keep your head elevated
• Put an ice pack on your cheeks in 15-minute intervals
• For the first 24 hours, consume soft foods and beverages
• Take prescribed medications as instructed by your doctor
• Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours

Caring for your dental implants is pretty straightforward and not too difficult. With proper care and regular dental visits, your dental implants can last a lifetime! We hope this list of 5 tips for looking after your dental implants helps! For more information or to get your dental implants, contact the expert team at Carmichael Dentistry! Schedule your appointment today by calling (858) 484-2560 or clicking here.