Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth. They can improve the appearance of your smile and make your confidence soar. However, in order for them to last many years, you have to take proper care of them. Here are some dental care tips for tooth implants to prolong their lifespan.

4 Tips to Care for Dental Implants

1. Avoid Consuming Hot & Cold Foods & Drinks Together

Dental implants are quite durable, so you are free to eat like normal. However, you will want to avoid eating and drinking hot and cold foods and beverages at the same time. When mixed together, it can make the porcelain of your implants contract and expand quickly, resulting in cracks or chips. 

2. Don’t Use Electric Toothbrushes

Another important dental care tip to follow is to avoid vibrating toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are excellent for getting your teeth extra clean, but they don’t mix well with dental implants. The vibrations can loosen the implant screws in your gums. The only way to tighten up the screws is to take the implants out and replace them.

3. Stop Smoking

If you smoke, now is the time to stop. Smoking tobacco doesn’t just affect your overall health, it can also damage your dental implants. The nicotine in cigarettes slows down blood flow to the gums, so the gum tissue won’t receive adequate nutrients to hold the implants in place. 

4. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Remember to schedule a dental care checkup with your dentist every six months. In addition to cleaning your teeth and making sure your mouth is healthy, he or she can check on your implants to see that they are still functioning properly.

If you take good care of your implants, they will stay in optimum shape. The professionals at Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH, provide high-quality dental care services, including dental implants, teeth whitening, and cleanings. The family dentistry practice is the proud winner of the Angie’s List® 2013 Super Service Award. For more information, call (513) 521-8900 or visit their website.