Are you getting ready to replace your missing teeth with durable dental implants in the Wichita Falls, TX area? If so, congratulations on making a wise, long-term tooth replacement choice! Whether you’re receiving a single implant or replacing an entire arch with implant-supported dentures, you may be wondering how to care for your new teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. Here are a few important things you should know about maintaining good oral health with implants.
Brush Daily
Some people mistakenly think they don’t need to brush their implants daily, since they aren’t susceptible to decay like natural teeth. However, this type of thinking is misguided and can lead to poor oral hygiene practices and diminished oral health. While it is true that implants aren’t natural teeth, they still need to be brushed daily just like real teeth. Brushing your implants twice each day will help remove food particles, plaque and bacteria that can accumulate around the implants and lead to inflammation of the gum tissue.
Floss Daily
Flossing daily is imperative if you expect to maintain good oral hygiene with dental implants. Keep in mind that although the implants themselves are not real and are not susceptible to natural decay, the gum tissue around them is. Carefully floss between each implant daily to keep bacteria at bay and protect your sensitive gum tissue.
Receive Regular Cleanings
Keep your implants clean and maintain good oral health by attending regular dental cleanings. Have you noticed a pattern yet? Everything you do to care for natural teeth should be done to care for your dental implants.
When you visit your dental hygienist for regular cleanings, he or she will use special tools to clean your implants without damaging them.
Schedule Your Checkup
When implants are placed properly and receive good care after placement, they can last a lifetime! Schedule your dental implant consultation with our doctors, Dr. Andrew Mueller, Dr. Patrick Waters, and Dr. Danielle Larivey, in our office in Wichita Falls, TX!