3 Bad Habits to Break to Keep Your Dental Implants Healthy

Dental implants are touted as the gold standard of tooth restorations for good reason. They’re the only method that includes a rod that is inserted directly into your jaw and functions like a natural tooth. On top of that, they have a success rate of 95% and can last 30+ years with the right care. That makes them a reliable and long-lasting solution to refurbish your smile.

Although dental implants are incredibly resilient, they’re not entirely unbreakable. Some patients don’t realize that some of their behaviors might damage their restoration and end up needing repairs or replacements. Keep reading to learn 3 habits to avoid to keep your dental implants in prime condition!

Bad Habit #1: Eating Too Many Sweets

Many patients correctly assume that because their dental implant isn’t comprised of organic materials it can’t get cavities and that they can freely enjoy their favorite sweet treats. While it’s true that your restoration won’t develop decay, your remaining natural teeth can so you still need to monitor your diet.

Sugar attracts unhealthy bacteria that can penetrate around or under your dental implant. If left untreated it could progress and deteriorate your jawbone leaving your mouth too weak to support your pearly whites altogether. By avoiding saccharine snacks, you can extend the life of your false tooth.

Bad Habit #2: Using Tobacco

Tobacco products and oral health don’t mix well together. The nicotine content reduces the oxygen levels in your blood as well as its ability to circulate effectively. That means if you smoke cigarettes, you’re hindering your body’s ability to deliver much-needed nutrients to your teeth and gums.

If you’ve just received your dental implant, smoking can also hinder your recovery. Your body won’t heal properly if you’re putting toxic ingredients into your bloodstream. That’s not to say that you can safely indulge once the surgical site heals, though. Your dental implants can fail at any time if you’re a regular tobacco user.

Bad Habit #3:  Poor Dental Hygiene

It’s as important to brush and floss your teeth twice daily with dental implants as it was without them. Particles and bits of food left behind after meals attract germs that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Unfortunately, these conditions can worsen and spread with time. If gum disease goes unchecked, for example, the infection can enter your bloodstream and spread to other areas of your body and cause problems like heart disease, for example.  That means losing your dental implant isn’t the only risk you’re taking if you let your oral care routine slide.

Kicking these bad habits can help you keep your dental implants in perfect health for years to come!

About the Practice

At Queen Creek Complete Dental, patients of all ages benefit from several dental experts who provide a full range of services to everyone in the family, including dental implants. With state-of-the-art materials and technology, they can provide restorations that look beautiful and are meant to last. You won’t need an outside referral because they handle every step of the process onsite. Their friendly staff are happy to assist you in booking a consultation. Feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (480) 722-1200.