Gone are the days when you have to go around with missing teeth or deal with annoying dentures. Dental implants are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth and can look complete. However, in order for your dental implants to last a lifetime, you have to take proper care of them. 

Here are a few tips for taking excellent care of your dental implants.

Brush and Floss Daily 

Dental implants might not be your real teeth, but they can still accumulate plaque over time, which starts to affect your other teeth. That is why you should brush and floss your dental implants as you do with your natural teeth. Try to avoid abrasive toothpaste, as it can damage your dental implants.

Stop Smoking

Your dentist will advise you to stop smoking while your dental implants are healing. If you continue to smoke, you can slow down the healing process and even cause implant failure. Even when your dental implants fully heal, it is still a good idea to stay from tobacco. Smoking can stain your dental implants and increase your risk of plaque and tartar buildup.

Be Cautious When Eating Hard and Sticky Foods

Although dental implants are strong, they can still get damaged. That is why you should not bite down too hard on certain foods, such as candy, chips, apples, steak, and crusty bread. Be extra careful when consuming these foods.

Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools

You should not use your natural teeth or dental implants as tools. Do not use them to open things, hold pens or remove tags from clothes. If you do, you could break your dental implants.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

If you got dental implants, you have another good reason to schedule regular dental checkups. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, but it is possible to experience issues sometimes. For example, you might chew on something hard and loosen your crown. That is why it is wise to see your dentist at least twice a year. He or she can assess your dental implants and make sure that they are still in good shape.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can expect your dental implants to last a long time. If you have additional questions or concerns about your dental implants, you should get in touch with your local dentist as soon as possible. 

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