Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Getting dental implants is a significant investment in your smile and it’s no wonder you’d want to protect your new pearly whites. While dental implants are designed to last the long haul with normal chewing and wear and tear, there are a few things you should avoid in an effort to protect your dental implants. With good care and maintenance, dental implants should last the rest of your life. Today, our Scotts Valley implant dentists share five things that you should avoid if you have dental implants.
Hard or sticky foods
Popcorn, sticky or hard candies, and ice could harm dental implants or the implant crown by fracturing the porcelain. Additionally, these foods aren’t so good for your natural teeth either as they can damage dental enamel, requiring costly repairs. If you choose to eat popcorn, we encourage you to do so with caution, avoiding the kernels and half popped popcorn. Sticky or hard candies as well as ice can be safely consumed by allowing them to melt in your mouth instead of chewing them.
Hard-bristled toothbrushes
Everyone, whether you have dental implants or not, should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. But have you given much thought and attention to the type of toothbrush you use? Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage dental crowns, including those used for implants, as well as natural dental enamel by causing gum recession. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and be sure that your toothpaste is ADA approved.
Abrasive ingredients
Some dental care products contain harsh or abrasive ingredients and while they may be effective, they shouldn’t be used daily because they may cause gum or oral soft tissue irritation. Additionally, these ingredients may slowly damage your dental implant crowns. Common abrasive oral care products should be used sparingly or not at all, depending on your dental needs, include whitening toothpastes, toothpastes with an RDA of 150-250, bentonite clay, and charcoal. If you aren’t sure whether your dental care products are safe for you to use, ask our Scotts Valley dentists at your next visit.
Using teeth as tools
It’s tempting to use your teeth to rip open a package, pop open a canned beverage or bite your fingernails. But you should avoid using your teeth as tools because they can chip or crack and the same goes for your dental restorations like implant crowns. Instead, make the extra effort to retrieve the proper tools to do the job.
Tobacco and alcohol
If you’re considering dental implants, you should avoid tobacco usage because nicotine interferes with healing and could lead to implant failure. Tobacco usage is also linked to an increased risk of gum disease, which could compromise the health and longevity of your new dental implant. Like tobacco, alcohol consumption interferes with the immune system’s ability to heal after implant placement.
Implant Dentists in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz, California
Dental implants typically last longer than any other tooth replacement option as long as you take care of your teeth and gums by practicing good oral hygiene. We invite you for a consultation with us at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry if you would like to learn more about dental implants as a tooth replacement option. We determine the best dental implants suited for your smile and health needs to help you achieve your smile goals. Contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411.
