Dental implants are a highly reliable form of tooth replacement with a success rate of 95%. That being said, there are many bad habits that can potentially put dental implants at risk, and you need to stay away from them if you want to protect your newly restored smile. Below is a closer look at 5 habits that individuals with dental implants should break as soon as possible.
1. Chewing on Fingernails and Pen Tips
Do you ever find yourself absentmindedly chewing on your fingernails or the end of your pen? As harmless as this habit might seem on the surface, it can put unnecessary pressure on your implant posts, potentially damaging them. To keep your dental implants safe, it’s best to avoid biting down on fingernails, pen tips, and other hard objects.
2. Using Teeth as Tools
It can be tempting to use your teeth as tools to tear open stubborn packages, but this can ultimately damage your dental implants. It’s always best to take the time to find actual tools instead of scissors; your revitalized smile will thank you in the long run.
3. Consuming Too Much Sugar
Even though dental implants aren’t real teeth (and thus cannot get cavities), sugar can still potentially cause problems for them. Overindulging in sugary foods and beverages can make you more likely to suffer from gum disease. If it goes untreated for too long, gum disease can significantly damage the tissues supporting the implant posts, causing them to come loose. In order to maintain healthy gums, you should limit your sugar consumption and instead focus on eating more foods that are good for your mouth.
4. Forgetting to Brush and Floss
Do you sometimes forget to brush and floss your teeth? This can ultimately cause problems for your dental implants; poor oral hygiene habits can allow plaque and tartar to accumulate in your mouth, which can easily result in gum disease. To maintain your dental implants and the rest of your smile, you should make sure that you’re consistently brushing at least twice a day and flossing on a daily basis.
5. Skipping Routine Dental Appointments
You may think that you’ll notice right away if anything goes wrong with your dental implants, but some issues aren’t immediately obvious. Thus, you really can’t afford to skip your regular dental checkups. These visits give your dentist a chance to take a look at your dental implants and address any problems that might be developing before they can put your replacement teeth at risk.
About the Author
Dr. Kelly Thanh has over 25 years of dental experience and earned her dental degree from the University of the Pacific. She belongs to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has completed over 1,000 hours of dental implant and oral surgeries. She’s proud to be able to use dental implants to replace any number of missing teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Thanh at her practice in San Jose, visit her website or call (408) 972-2835.