Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Dental implants can completely transform a smile, improving appearance, removing years of age from a person’s face and dramatically increasing self-confidence. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making the investment in them well worth it.
One of the most appealing benefits of dental implants as a tooth replacement is that caring for them is practically no different than caring for natural teeth. Our cosmetic dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, specializes in dental implants and is sharing today a few important tips to care for them. Let’s take a look at what should be avoided with dental implants:
Hard-bristled toothbrushes
The surface of dental implants can be scratched with hard-bristled toothbrushes, so the best bet is to switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles. As with natural teeth, brush at least two times each day — once after breakfast in the morning and once before bed — and floss at least once daily.
Abrasive ingredients
Some toothpaste and mouthwashes contain abrasive chemicals that can cause mouth discomfort and harm prosthetic teeth over time. It’s best to avoid abrasives because, like hard-bristled brushes, they can scratch the surface of dental implants. It’s best to avoid mouthwash and toothpaste with intense flavors, too.
Alcohol and tobacco products
In addition to causing severe health problems potentially leading to death, alcohol and tobacco use — including smoking — can damage dental implants. In fact, during the six months it takes the mouth to heal from implant surgery, smoking and alcohol can be detrimental to new implants.
Sticky or hard foods
In the same way sticky and hard foods can damage natural teeth, they can also damage dental implants. While implants are durable, hard foods or, for instance, using the teeth to open a bottle, can crack, break or chip a dental implant. Hard candies, caramels, dried fruit and ice are a few of the items you should do your best to avoid with dental implants.
Dental Implants in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan
One of the most important things to keep up with when you have dental implants — just as with natural teeth — is dental appointments twice a year. Implants need routine cleanings and inspections by our implant specialists in Lansing. If you’re curious about dental implants or you already have them and it’s time for your routine cleaning and checkup, give us a call at Tenaglia Smiles, (517) 940-8684, or reach us online to request an appointment today!