Want Long-Lasting Dental Implants? Avoid These 4 Bad Habits

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the gold standard. They help preserve your jawbone while making it easy to eat certain foods. If you have chosen this tooth replacement option, then you may know all too well its benefits. You invested your time and money into getting this treatment, so it’s important to take good care of it. That includes breaking these four bad habits that can cause some issues with your dental implants.

1.)  Chewing on Your Fingernails or Pens

If you are hard at work, do you find yourself gnawing on your pen caps or biting your fingernails? It’s a reaction to stress or nervousness that many people have, but it can do some harm to both dental implants and your natural teeth. Chewing these puts excess pressure on your restoration and could potentially chip it. It’s best to find something else to fidget with, such as a stress ball.

2.)  Using Your Teeth as Tools

You may be tempted to use your teeth to rip open some packaging, but it’s best to look for some scissors instead. Similarly to the habit above, it puts too much stress on the implant and can cause some damage. By choosing the right tool for the job, your smile will last longer.

3.)  Not Following Your Oral Care Routine

Dental implants can’t get cavities themselves, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to the bacteria in your mouth. You can still get gum disease, which spells bad news for your tooth replacement. When this condition is left untreated, bacteria attack the supporting structures and leave you with a loose implant.

Be sure to brush twice and floss once a day to get rid of bacteria in your mouth. You should consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to ensure that you get everything. Additionally, routine visits are vital to your oral health. Your dentist is trained to watch for any warning signs of dental implant failure, so they can catch the problem while it’s still early.

4.)  Using Tobacco Products

Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause many problems, whether your implants were just placed or if you have had them for a while. It can slow down your healing process and lead to a greater risk of infection. Tobacco can even delay osseointegration, which is when the tooth replacement fuses to your jaw. The more you use it, the greater your risk of gum disease and jawbone loss, both of which are common causes of implant failure.

Protecting the investment you made in your smile is important. If you have any of these habits, it’s crucial to break them! That way, you can enjoy a full smile for a lifetime.

About the Author

Dr. Tyler Schaffeld earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Oregon Health and Science University. He has over a decade of experience helping people get grins that they are proud of. When you choose him for dental implants, Dr. Schaffeld ensures you get the best care you deserve by partnering with trusted local implant specialists. You will be in expert hands every step of the way, so you can feel confident about your treatment. If you are looking to replace missing teeth, schedule an appointment or call us at (541) 426-3783.