Five Bad Habits That Can Be Damaging With Dental Implants

Many dental implant patients make the mistake of assuming that their implants are entirely different from real teeth. They think they can get away with neglecting their new teeth because their new teeth are synthetic. Patients assume that synthetic teeth are not susceptible to the same types of damage as real teeth. However, any bad habit that's unhealthy for real teeth is most likely also unhealthy for dental implants.

The following are five common bad habits that can be detrimental to the success of the dental implant procedure:

Biting nails

For many of us, biting nails is a habit that's hard to break and that persists throughout our entire lives. If you think you can give this bad habit free rein just because you've got implants now, think again.

Biting nails is bad for those with natural teeth because it could damage the enamel that protects the teeth from decay. However, it's also bad for dental implants because nail biting can chip away at the prosthetic tooth. It can also loosen the tooth from the titanium screw that rises up into the gums and holds the prosthetic tooth in the mouth.

Neglecting to brush

It's true that dental implants can't become infected with cavities like natural teeth can. However, that doesn't mean that brushing is no longer important with dental implants.

Dental implants that are not frequently cleaned will accumulate debris like plaque and food particles. Debris in dental implants can be forced up against the gums, where it can cause infections and periodontal diseases to which implant users are particularly susceptible.

Brushing--and also using a disinfecting mouthwash--are just as important with implants as with natural teeth.

Using teeth like can or bottle openers

People hear that their dental implants are constructed using a titanium screw and they assume that their new teeth offer superhuman strength. However, this is not the case.

Dental implants can become warped if they are used like bottle or can openers. They are not stronger than natural teeth just because they are constructed from synthetic rather than biological materials. 

Eating stain-causing foods

It's true that dental implants are composed of stain resistant materials. However, implants can still become stained over time by patients who are constantly drinking substances like coffee and red wine.

Smoking

Smoking raises a patient's risk of developing gum infections. Smoking inhibits circulation and therefore makes it harder for the immune system to get white blood cells where they're needed before infection sets in.

If you've just had dental implants put in, it's more important than ever to quit smoking. A periodontal disease can compromise the success of the dental implant procedure and could even become so severe that implants need to be replaced with an additional surgery.

For more information on how to best treat and maintain your dental implants, contact a dentist in your area, such as one at Colerain Denture Center.


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