Dental implants have been around since the ancient Egyptians started replacing teeth with ivory and gold wire. The technology has come a long way since then, becoming permanent tooth replacements placed into the jawbone for strength. If you want to keep your implants as long as possible, you may need to break a few habits.
If you’re curious to learn what you might be doing right now that could be impacting the structure around your dental implants, continue reading.
1. Smoking and Tobacco Use
One of the worst habits for dental implants is smoking or using other tobacco products. Tobacco and its smoke have over 7000 chemicals in them. Many are known toxins and carcinogens.
Smoking or chewing these products can impede the healing process after implant surgery and can contribute to gum disease. This can further compromise the stability of your dental implants.
2. Drinking Excessive Alcohol
While being moderate with your alcohol consumption is generally not harmful to dental implants, excessive alcohol intake is. If you recently received your dental implants, this can be especially problematic. Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to dehydration, which may affect your body’s ability to heal after dental implant surgery.
3. Chewing Tough or Hard Foods
Dental implants are strong and durable, but they are not indestructible. Chewing on hard foods like ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels can put excessive pressure on the implants and the underlying bone.
Over time, this can lead to implant damage or loosening. To protect your dental implants, try to eat softer foods or cut up tough foods like steak before eating.
4. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as tools can be an especially destructive habit for both natural teeth and dental implants. Opening bottles, tearing packages, or biting on objects can cause stress on your implants, possibly leading to damage. Always use tools like jar openers or scissors to open packaging of any kind.
5. Not Keeping up with Your Dental Hygiene
Without regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, plaque and bacteria can accumulate around your implants. This could lead to gum disease and implant failure as the gums and bone around the implant begin to weaken. To ensure the success of your dental implants, maintain a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine.
To preserve your dental implants and protect your investment, you may need to make some choices. Adopting a healthier lifestyle and visiting your dentist at least twice a year will increase the odds of long-term success of your dental implants. So, try to stop the worst of your habits and learn to take better care of your implants. Then you’ll have them for life!
About the Author
Dr. Khushboo Gandhi is a bright and talented dentist with a passion for helping others achieve their brightest smiles. She gained her dental degree in India before coming to America in 2009. Since then she has pursued knowledge through multiple professional organizations and academies like the Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and the Baylor College of Dentistry. To schedule a dental implant consultation at Murphy Dental Home, call (972) 532-6506 or visit the website to explore other services.