Once you make the decision to get dental implants, it's import to take good care of your mouth so that the implants don't fail. Getting titanium implants is an investment of both time and money. Before your implants fail, take control of your oral health by breaking these bad habits.
Smoking
Most people understand that smoking is a bad habit for your overall health, but smoking is also a bad habit you need to break if you recently got dental implants. Most dentists won't even provide smokers with dental implants because of the high potential for failure. If you stopped smoking to get implants and then started up again once they were placed, you need to reconsider this decision. Smoking will slow down the healing process, causing your gums to have trouble recovering from the surgery. Nicotine has a negative effect on your gums, decreasing blood flow to the area. Even smokeless tobacco that contains nicotine will make it difficult for your gums to heal.
Not Brushing or Flossing Your Teeth on a Regular Basis
Poor oral hygiene may be the reason behind your need for dental implants in the first place. Now that you have made the commitment to restoring your teeth, you need to take good care of your teeth. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing every evening before bed. Implants will fail if you don't take care of your teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene will increase your risks of infection and implant failure.
Letting Your Blood Sugar Stay Out of Control
While diabetics can be excellent candidates for dental implants, letting your blood sugar get out of control will lead to implant failure. When your blood sugar levels are high, your body has a difficult time healing. It isn't always easy for diabetics to control blood sugar, but if you are diabetic you have to eat right and monitor your blood sugar regularly if you just got dental implants. Break the bad habit of letting your blood sugar get out of control so that you won't lose the dental implants you just invested in.
Once your implants have been placed in your mouth, it's time to pay attention to your oral health. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and attend all dental appointments with your dentist. If you notice that your gums appear swollen or red, contact your dentist. If you believe you have an infection, make an appointment right away. It's important to stay on top of any possible dental complications when you get implants to avoid further problems. For more information about caring for implants, contact a dentist such as Russel Bleiler DDS.
Share30 December 2014
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!