Caring for Your Dental Implant: 5 Helpful Tips

One of our favorite things about dental implants is that they’re meant to last for the long haul. However, we know that the only way to ensure that they stand the test of time is to take diligent care of them. 

Fortunately, it’s easier than you think, and most of our dental implant care tips fit in seamlessly with your regular oral hygiene routine. 

Here’s a closer look at five practical ways you can keep your dental implants in mint condition. 

1. Don’t stop seeing the dentist

The process of getting your dental implants requires more than a few trips to the dentist. Even if you feel you’ve had your fill of dentist appointments, we still encourage you to schedule regular check-ups with us. 

Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore your smile, but they aren’t a cure for all oral health problems. Only our trained dentists at EZ Dental Clinic can identify and treat cavities, gum disease, and other potential issues. 

2. Pick your products carefully

Your dental implants are made of super-strong materials, but that doesn't mean they don’t need a little TLC. We recommend that you brush with a soft-bristled brush and only choose non-abrasive toothpaste and mouthwashes. Bonus: Gentler products are often better for your gums and natural teeth, as well. 

3. Avoid the tough stuff

Tough-to-chew, crunchy, and sticky foods can wreak havoc on your oral health — one wrong bite could cause serious damage to your dental implant. That’s why we recommend avoiding foods like:

• Ice
• Caramels and hard candies
• Dried fruits
• Tough crusts and hard taco shells
• Potato chips
• Carrots and other crunchy vegetables
• Apples
• Steak

If some of your favorite treats are on the list, do your best to chew carefully and take smaller bites to reduce the risk of damage.

4. Kick your bad habits

Smoking and drinking alcohol are notoriously bad for your overall health, but they also have negative impacts on your teeth and gums. This is especially true when you’re trying to recover from dental implant surgery. 

Smoking and drinking have both been shown to interfere with the healing process, so we strongly encourage that you limit or avoid smoking and drinking the first few months after dental implant surgery. 

5. Prioritize flossing

You may think that because your dental implants aren’t real teeth, they don’t need to be flossed, but the opposite is actually true. Plaque and other harmful substances can still gather around your dental implants, which leaves your surrounding teeth vulnerable to cavities and other problems.

Have trouble getting in the habit of flossing? You aren’t alone. A national survey discovered that only 30% of the population flosses their teeth daily — over 32% never floss. 

There are a few things you can do to get more consistent. Try setting a reminder on your smartphone, keeping your floss handy in your car or purse, or even flossing while watching TV. You may also consider products like floss threaders and water flossers that take a bit of the grunt work out of flossing. 

Want more information? Be sure to request an appointment online or over the phone. We’re conveniently located in Bellevue, Washington, and serve the greater Seattle area.