If you have broken or missing teeth, dental implants are functional and natural-looking solutions for replacing them. Even though they are prosthetic, you should care for them as though they were your real teeth. Use the following tips when practicing oral hygiene with implants.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants

1. Brush & Floss Daily

Use a nonabrasive toothpaste and a brush with gentle bristles to brush your dental implants. Remove plaque by brushing the front and back surfaces for about two to three minutes. Floss once daily to remove food residue and plaque buildups between the teeth. 

2. Use Oral Irrigators 

For extra protection against plaque and tartar, use oral irrigators and water flossers after you brush. These devices wash the teeth and gums with a low-pressure stream of water to remove bacteria and reduce the likelihood of developing gingivitis or periodontal disease. 

3. Avoid Certain Foods & Drinks

Hard and sticky foods may crack or dislodge your implants and damage opposing teeth, so avoid eating hard candy, dried fruit, and tough vegetables. Additionally, limit your alcohol intake after having implants inserted, as drinking cuts off oxygen to the gums and may delay healing. 

4. Make Dentist Appointments

Make appointments with your dentist twice per year for routine exams. Your dental care provider will clean your implants to remove plaque and tartar buildups. They’ll also check your implants to make sure they are intact and not causing any issues for the surrounding teeth and gums. 

Keep your smile healthy and gorgeous with help from the team at Harold R. Arthur, D.M.D., P.A. Family Dentistry. This dentist provides teeth cleanings, dental implant insertions, and tooth extractions to patients throughout Live Oak, FL. Call (386) 330-5181 to book an appointment for a dental implant consultation and request an estimate. Visit the website to learn more about comprehensive exams and dental care for adults and children.