When it comes to missing teeth, dental implants are a reliable option that many people choose. You might’ve gotten them yourself since they are lifelike while also giving you up to 90% of your original bite back. That said, while they act just like natural teeth, should you worry about them getting cavities? Here’s what you should know about the bacteria in your mouth and this tooth replacement.
So, Should I Worry About Cavities with Dental Implants?
In short, you don’t technically need to worry about your dental implant developing decay. That said, that doesn’t mean plaque won’t ever cause any problems. Your gums and bone tissue that support the fixture and restoration can still become infected if you aren’t careful.
If this happens, then you may develop a condition called peri-implantitis. This is when the area around the post is noticeably red, inflamed, and painful. When left untreated, your results may start to become wobbly or even fail. So, it’s still important to do your best to remove all the bacteria in your mouth.
How Can I Protect My Dental Implants?
Since your dental implants aren’t immune to plaque in your mouth, you should still take care of your oral health. Thankfully, there isn’t much extra you need to do with this tooth replacement. Here is a quick refresh of what you should do for your routine.
- Brush twice daily for two minutes. This will remove bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth. Getting an electric toothbrush may help you be more effective at this step.
- Floss once a day to clean between your teeth and under your gumline.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to get as much debris as you can.
- Limit your sugar intake, as this particle feeds the plaque in your mouth and can lead to a buildup of it.
- Drink water throughout the day to rinse your mouth of bacteria and food debris.
In the end, don’t forget to visit your dentist for your twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. These visits are crucial for stronger oral health, and your provider will be able to see the state of your dental implants. If they notice any signs of failure, you can get them sorted out right away and improve your odds of salvage. That way, you continue flaunting your full smile for decades to come.
About the Practice
Are you ready to get a restored grin you love? Our team at Smiley Family Dentistry is dedicated to helping the Waverly community replace their missing teeth with effective solutions like dental implants. Led by Dr. Jonathan Smiley, we can complete the entire process in-house and help you keep your results strong for the long run. If you are worried about this treatment failing, schedule an appointment or call our office at 319-352-2270.