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Dental implants are the name of the game when it comes to replacing missing teeth! They’re capable of restoring lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality—and better yet, they can last for several decades under ideal circumstances. That said, there are various things you can do that’ll boost the likelihood of your implants remaining resilient and uncompromised for the foreseeable future. Here are three key lifestyle changes you should strongly consider making to get the most out of your implants and ensure they serve you well!
#1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Some people falsely believe that having dental implants means they don’t have to brush their teeth anymore; nothing could be further from the truth! While they are more durable than your natural teeth, dental implants require excellent oral hygiene. Gum disease still poses a huge threat to your implants, and poor oral hygiene is a surefire way to allow this nasty condition to progress, which might even lead to total implant failure! Be sure that you’re brushing and flossing every day, and continue to visit your dentist for routine preventive care. These visits also allow your dentist to inspect your implants for signs of concern and prescribe treatment as needed.
#2. Cut Out Smoking and Other Bad Oral Habits
Smoking isn’t just bad for your overall health; it’s arguably one of the biggest risks to your dental implants, due to how it increases your chances of developing gum disease. Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco also massively increases your risk of oral infection, which can impede the implant-healing process. Additionally, there are several other bad oral habits that pose a threat to your dental implants: excessive alcohol consumption, using your teeth as tools, and frequently biting into hard objects are just a few behaviors that can all prove detrimental!
#3. Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can work wonders for your oral health! Eating plenty of nutritious fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and low-sugar items can drastically boost your body’s immune system. This gives you further protection from gum disease and other problems that might threaten your implants. You should also strive to drink plenty of water in favor of sugary sodas, sports drinks, and juices. Water isn’t just sugar-free; it also stimulates your mouth’s flow of saliva, which is your primary defense mechanism against oral health issues.
Simply put, a healthy lifestyle reduces several risk factors associated with dental implant failure—so strive to make smart choices, and you’ll continue to smile brightly!
About the Author
Dr. Angelo M. Julovich received his DDS from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Zionsville, IN community for several years. His practice is excited to offer a wide range of treatment options, including restorative services like dental implants. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with Dr. Julovich’s team to schedule your next visit, feel free to contact them online or over the phone for assistance. Telephone: (317) 973-3020.