Tips For Caring For Your Dental Implant
by Harold Coleman
Dental implants are an excellent option for anyone who is missing one or several teeth. Implants are permanently attached to the jaw bone, so they are long lasting and look like natural teeth. But like natural teeth, they do need to be cared for properly to keep both the implant and the gum tissue surrounding the implant in good shape.
If you are planning on getting a dental implant, the following tips will help you learn how to care for it:
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
When you have a dental implant, you can use either a manual toothbrush or an electric/battery powered toothbrush, but it is important to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Ensure that you brush all of your teeth, including the implant, both in the morning and in the evening. After brushing with a normal toothbrush, you may want to use a small interdental brush to really clean the tight spaces around the implant.
If you use an interdental brush, make sure that it is completely made of nylon, as an interdental brush with wire can scratch or damage the implant.
Focus on Flossing
Flossing is extremely important for everyone's oral health, but if you have a dental implant you really need to focus on flossing in order to keep the gum tissue around the implant healthy. Choose a brand of floss that is unwaxed or states that it is specifically designed for use with a dental implant.
Use Antimicrobial Mouth Rinse
After a dental implant is inserted, it is not uncommon for the gum tissue to become inflamed or irritated. You can help combat this issue by using an antimicrobial mouth rinse that will get rid of bacteria that causes gum problems. When using antimicrobial mouth rinse it is still essential to brush and floss as usual.
Invest in an Oral Irrigator
Oral irrigators, also referred to as water flossers, emit a high pressure spray of water which helps remove plaque build up and food debris from between and around the teeth. They are very useful if you have a dental implant, as they are very effective at keeping both the teeth and gums clean and healthy. Look for an oral irrigator with a soft tip, as water flossers with metal tips are not recommended if you have dental implants.
Don't Skip Dental Appointments
When you have a dental implant inserted, it is extremely important to go to all follow up visits with your dentist so he or she can exam the implant and make sure that there are no problems. Your dentist will determine how often you need to go in, but in most cases you will be asked to visit the dentist every few months for a professional cleaning and to have your dental implant checked out.
To learn more, contact a company like New Hope Solebury Dental Associates.
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About Me
I have never liked my teeth. I had a lot of dental problems, including deep staining and oddly shaped teeth. Every tooth did not have the same shape, and some were rounded while others were more square. Not surprisingly, I never smiled in pictures and not even much in real life. This left people thinking I was mean before they even met me. My dentist told me my best bet to improve the look of my smile was a set of porcelain dental veneers. He said they could make all my teeth white and the same shape. I said I wanted them without any hesitation, and we scheduled my procedures. I love my new teeth, and they really did change my life. I created this blog to help other people living with teeth they don't like realize that they do have options that can improve their smiles and their lives.