Long Live Your Implants! 5 Expert Tips on How to Maintain Your Dental Implants

Getting dental implants in Denver, Colorado, is a big step towards a healthy, confident smile. From self-assured smiles to comfortable chewing, you can enjoy life once again. However, like any investment, caring for your dental implants is vital. Urgent Dental of Denver shares five expert-approved tips to keep your implants healthy and strong for many years.

1. Good oral hygiene

The rumor is true—dental implants can’t develop cavities. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need maintenance. Remember, your implants are surrounded by gum and bone, which are vulnerable to infections. Observe good oral hygiene to keep your investment intact. 

Brush your teeth twice daily with non-abrasive, fluoride-based toothpaste. Floss daily with a threader or water flosser. Pay close attention to the implant area to prevent plaque and harmful bacteria. 

Finally, rinse your mouth with a medicated mouthwash to eliminate harmful bacteria from hard-to-reach areas. However, not all mouthwashes are the same. We recommend an antibacterial formula free of alcohol and harsh ingredients like chlorine dioxide for gentle yet effective protection.

2. Visit your dentist regularly

Regular visits at your Denver dentist ensure your oral health is in excellent shape to support your implant restorations. The dentist inspects your implants for potential issues. Early detection prevents serious problems and keeps your implants functioning as they should. 

We recommend bi-annual dental visits to prevent and detect issues before they become painful and costly. During these visits, we also professionally clean your teeth, reaching those areas you can’t clean effectively with your home tools. 

3. Quit tobacco use

Tobacco has no benefit whatsoever for your body. In your oral health, tobacco causes several issues, including dry mouth, bad breath, and staining. Besides, tobacco increases the risk of gum disease, which can compromise your implants. Quit tobacco use of any form. 

4. Good diet

A balanced diet strengthens your jawbone and gums to keep your implants healthy. However, avoid certain foods because of their potential impact on your implants. While dental implants are secure, limit the intake of hard foods like candy and nuts. They can damage your implant restorations over time. Besides, avoid chewy and sticky foods like caramel, as they can stick to the tooth surfaces, attracting harmful bacteria. 

5. Protect your implants from physical damage

Your dental implants are nearly as stable as your natural teeth. However, this doesn’t mean they are indestructible. Be mindful of activities that can damage your implants. 

• Teeth grinding: Chronic teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) can cause serious problems in your mouth, including damaging dental implants. Talk to your dentist about wearing a bespoke nightguard to protect your teeth and implants from unnecessary wear and tear. 
• Sports injuries: Accidental blows and knocks to your mouth area can damage your implants. Shield your smile from sports injuries by wearing a custom mouthguard. 
• Non-food items: Like your teeth, your implants are designed to chew food only. Don’t use your implants to crack nuts, open bottles, or cut fingernails. These poor habits can damage or dislodge your implants. 

Good maintenance for your implants ensures the longevity of your investment. At Urgent Dental of Denver, we are committed to supporting you throughout your dental implant journey. Call (720) 573-2629 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Drew Boyd for personalized advice. 

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