If you have received a dental implant, you need to take good care of it so that it doesn't fail. A high degree of care is especially critical in the immediate days after treatment when the implant site is still healing. Below are some of the things you will need to take care of your dental implant.
Toothbrush
Regular teeth brushing are necessary whether you have dental implants or natural teeth. However, you need to be extra keen on your oral hygiene if you have dental implants since poor oral hygiene can lead to implant failure. There is some evidence that some toothbrushes, such as electric toothbrushes, are better at removing teeth debris than conventional toothbrushes. Some people worry about the safety of electric toothbrushes on implants, but there is some evidence that they are adequately safe. Whichever toothbrush you use, ensure you are gentle with your brushing.
Interproximal Aids
Although you need to brush your teeth regularly, brushing is not enough to get rid of all teeth debris. The spaces between adjacent teeth, for instance, are likely to remain clogged with debris even after brushing. Using interproximal aids (devices used to clean between teeth spaces) is necessary to get rid of such debris.
Again, you need to be gentle with your interproximal aids. For example, if using water flosses, you should set the pressure to low. Other equally suitable products include soft picks and rubber tip stimulators. The idea is to get rid of the debris between the teeth without destabilizing the implant.
Night Guards
You may also need night guards to protect your implants. The night guards protect the implant from the pressure that they would otherwise experience whenever you bite down on your teeth. You may be able to control your bite forces during the day, but unconscious biting, grinding, or clenching during sleep can cause serious damage. Get customized night guard for the best protection. Nightguards are particularly necessary for those who have chronic teeth grinding and clenching.
Mouthwash
Bacteria attack is one of the worst threats to dental implants. The bacteria can attack the implant site and interfere with the attachment between the implant and the jawbone. Brushing and flossing are some of the ways of dealing with the bacteria. However, you can even go a step further and make your mouth even cleaner by using antiseptic mouthwash at least twice a day.
Services like Reston Family Dental Center can offer specific advice on how to take care of your dental implant. Ensure you follow the advice to the letter if you want your implant treatment to be successful.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.