When it comes to dental health, various factors, such as injuries, infections, or gum disease, may lead to tooth loss or extraction. Dental implants stand out as a favored solution for restoring missing teeth. To ensure the longevity of your replacement teeth, it’s crucial to steer clear of certain habits. Read on to discover four detrimental practices you should avoid when caring for your dental implants.
Habit #1: Bad Oral Hygiene
While dental implants are resistant to cavities, maintaining overall oral health is crucial for the well-being of your remaining natural teeth. If cavities develop in your natural teeth, prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications like tooth infections, potentially requiring extractions.
Neglecting oral health may lead to shifting of implants and natural teeth, resulting in additional tooth loss or implant failure. Gum disease poses similar risks.
Adopting excellent oral hygiene practices is key. Regular brushing, both in the morning and at night, effectively removes plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and potential issues that could compromise the success of dental implants.
Habit #2: Consuming Too Much Sugar
While sugar may satisfy your taste buds, it’s not the optimal choice for your dental health. Sugar serves as a fuel source for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the release of acids that attack tooth enamel. Weakening enamel increases the risk of cavity formation.
To promote a healthier smile, consider reducing your sugar intake and incorporating foods that benefit your dental well-being. Include fish, lean meats, dairy products, nuts, leafy greens, and fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet for a smile-friendly approach to nutrition.
Habit #3: Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Engaging in cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of various oral health issues, including gum disease, cavities, and the development of oral cancer. Furthermore, smoking is a known factor contributing to gum disease, which, in turn, heightens the likelihood of experiencing implant failure.
If you’re looking to quit smoking, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist, doctor, or therapist. This will allow you to access resources and receive support on your journey to quit.
Habit #4: Nail Biting & Using Your Teeth as Tools
Avoiding habits like nail-biting or using your teeth as tools to open bottles and packages is crucial to prevent cracks or chips in both dental implants and natural teeth. Such practices can introduce harmful bacteria into your mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Consider substituting these habits with alternatives, such as chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy. This will help protect the longevity of your implants and overall oral health.
In conclusion, maintaining good oral habits and avoiding detrimental practices are vital for the longevity of your dental implants. By prioritizing oral hygiene and making positive lifestyle choices, you can ensure the continued success of your implants and enjoy a healthy, radiant smile for years to come!
About the Practice
United Dental Centers of Chicago is dedicated to enhancing and maintaining healthy smiles through a variety of procedures, including dental implants to address gaps in your smile. Dr. Isabel Munoz, Dr. William Levitan, Dr. David Fried, Dr. Kenneth M. Fried, and Dr. Shawn Thomas can provide valuable insights on habits to avoid, ensuring the longevity of your dental implants. For appointments or additional information about dental implants, visit United Dental Centers of Chicago’s website or contact their office at (773) 646-6262.