Dental implants are custom-made for each patient, ensuring they look and feel just like the real thing, but that’s not the only reason they are widely loved. They are also designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss! To make your dental implants last, we recommend incorporating the following habits into your routine.
1. Brush for Two Full Minutes
Whether you have one dental implant or your entire smile is comprised of dental implants, you need to brush your teeth twice a day, every day. Not only that, but you need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dentist-recommended toothpaste for two full minutes each time. That way, food particles, plaque, and other debris are removed from the surface.
2. Eat Vitamin-Rich Foods
To put it simply, what you eat impacts both your oral and overall health. Since dairy products, leafy greens, and other calcium-rich foods help strengthen your jawbone, incorporating those into your meals and snacks is a great place to start! It’s also important to avoid foods that can damage your dental implants, like taffy, peanut brittle, and lollipops.
3. Break Bad Habits (Even the “Harmless” Ones)
Smoking is often the first thing that comes to mind when patients think of bad dental habits. However, it isn’t the only one that can damage your teeth and your dental implants. Biting your nails, eating ice cubes, and chewing on the back of your pen/pencil can also lead to serious damage, so make every effort to break even the seemingly harmless habits as well.
4. Move Your Body
Did you know that lifting weights can help maintain bone density? Not only that, but regular exercise can help support your overall well-being and, in turn, your dental implants. So, incorporate movement into your daily routine, even if it’s something as “simple” as starting your day with a walk around your neighborhood.
5. Wear a Mouthguard
Speaking of being active… You need to wear a mouthguard, even during non-contact sports like rollerblading, riding your bike, or lifting weights. This may seem unnecessary, but this dental device can protect your teeth from chronic grinding, clenching, and even a bad fall. So, ask your dentist to make a custom mouthguard for you if you don’t already have one!
About the Practice
After earning his dental doctorate at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Dr. Hal M. Lippard spent four years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps and completed a general dentistry residency at Lyster Army Hospital. Throughout his career, he has completed advanced training on everything from prosthodontics to oral surgery so he can continue to provide his patients in Charlottesville with the absolute best care. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (434) 293-9311.