Dental implants are permanent so you want to care for them to keep them natural looking. Maintaining your dental implants couldn’t be any easier than if they were real teeth. In fact, one of the many great benefits of dental implants is that their care and maintenance is very similar to that of natural teeth. Here are the best ways to maintain your dental implants for a lifetime.

1. Brush

Using of low-abrasive, soft-bristled toothbrush and tartar control toothpaste will keep your implants plaque-free. Brush gently at least twice a day.

2. Floss

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth and dental implants. Removing plaque and food particles out from between your implants is important to prevent gum disease because your gums are at risk if you allow bacteria to grow there. So floss regularly to maintain your new teeth.

3. Mouthwash

Adding an antimicrobial mouth rinse to your daily oral care routine will help reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis, and reduce the speed of tartar formation. This addition to your routine is good for both your teeth and your implants. It will also help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

4. Checkups

Although your dental implants cannot get cavities the way your natural teeth can, they are subject to the same wear and tear. During regular dental checkup, your dentist will perform the cleaning and X-rays that help ensure that your implants remain in great condition.

5. No smoking

Researchers have found that smoking increases the likelihood of implant failure. One study found that the implant failure rate was 15.8% in smokers and only 1.4% in non-smokers.

Easy maintenance is one thing that makes dental implants such a great alternative to dentures and other tooth-replacement options. Not only do implants work like natural teeth, allowing you the freedom to eat, laugh, and kiss without fear of your teeth shifting around in your mouth, but they’re also easy to care for.

If you’re thinking about replacing your dentures with implants and you’d like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi at (661) 822-3727. Jose David Sanchez D.D.S. has extensive training and experience, as well as a high level of skill, compassion, and professionalism. If you want more information about dental implants or any of our other services, we’re happy to answer your questions.