If you have dental implants, there is going to be a small space of gum beneath the implant that is going to be very difficult for your toothbrush to reach. This is a problem because it can result in food getting stuck in this space and rotting over a short period of time. When this food rots, it can cause an infection that can threaten the integrity of your dental implants and cause you a lot of pain. It can even result in you having to get your dental implants removed, the infection cleaned out, and then having to put your dental implants back in. This can be very expensive and painful. Here are some tips for avoiding getting an infection around your dental implants.

1. Know Which Foods to Avoid

The first thing that you want to do is know which foods that you need to avoid. Popcorn husks are a classic example of a food that can easily slip under your dental implants and sit there, dormant, without you even realizing that it's there until the infection is already present. Tiny seeds are also a common enemy of maintaining the integrity of the area beneath your dental implants. By avoiding these foods, you will be able to increase the chances that you do not get an infection around your dental implants.

2. Floss

Next, you need to be flossing. Consider bringing floss with you everywhere and flossing after every meal that you have, as well as after every snack that you have that might involve one of the foods mentioned above. The floss is going to be far more effective at removing the popcorn husks, kernels, and small seeds that might have become lodged beneath your dental implants. Flossing will also allow you to stimulate your gums and make them far more resistant to any food that might not be removed for a few hours.

3. Stop Smoking

Finally, you want to be sure that you stop smoking as soon as possible. The reason for this is that smoking significantly weakens your gums, making them more susceptible to any food being able to poke holes in your gums and get inside, increasing the chances of infection. You don't want this to happen. Stop smoking as soon as possible to avoid this problem, as well as a host of other health issues that come with smoking.

For more information, talk to a company that specializes in dental implants. To learn more, speak with a business like Elma Family Dental.