701 State Road 60 East Lake Wales, Florida 33853 (863) 676-6021

6 Bad Habits You Need to Break If You Have Dental Implants

6 Bad Habits You Need to Break If You Have Dental Implants

Confident man with dental implants in Lake WalesTraditional tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges restore your smile quickly, but need to be replaced after a few years of use. On the other hand, dental implants have the potential to permanently rebuild your smile from the roots up! However, that’s only if you take care of them properly. While dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, you could cause them to break or fail if you’re not careful. Here are six bad habits you need to break if you want to keep your dental implants for life!

1.) Skipping Brushing or Flossing

Even though your dental implant won’t get cavities, it’s essential to keep practicing great oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing keep your gums and the connective tissues that help hold your dental implant in place healthy and strong.

2.) Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Using tobacco products slows down your natural healing process, leaves your mouth vulnerable to infection, and increases your risk of oral cancer. Recent studies indicate that smokers are two to three times more likely to lose their dental implant than non-smokers, so now is an important time to break this bad habit!

3.) Overindulging In Sugar

Dental implants let you get back to eating all your favorite foods, but remember not to overindulge in sweets. Sugary snacks fuel the oral bacteria in your mouth, which can eventually lead to a serious oral health condition called gum disease, which can cause your dental implant to fail.

4.) Chewing on Hard Objects

Thanks to their placement in your jaw and reliable materials, your dental implants are well-suited for biting and eating all types of foods. However, they’re not designed for chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, popcorn kernels, or your fingernails. Doing so can potentially chip the restoration, damage the jawbone supporting your implant, and loosen your new tooth.

5.) Using Your Teeth As Tools

Alongside refraining from chewing on hard objects, you need to avoid using your teeth to open packages, containers, and bottles. The harsh pressure exerted on your teeth when biting these items takes a toll on the strength of your dental implant and can injure your jawbone. Always keep the right tools somewhere convenient so you’re not tempted to put your smile at risk.

6.) Putting Off Your Dental Checkups

Even if you’ve replaced all your natural teeth with dental implants, you need to visit your dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings! Biannual checkups are one of the best ways to prevent a wide range of oral health issues that can cause your dental implant to fail. What’s more, visiting your dentist regularly will allow them to spot and stop any potential issues as early as possible!

If you’re looking for a permanent, reliable solution for tooth loss, look no further than dental implants. With a few healthy habits and simple precautions, you can easily expect to enjoy your newly rebuilt smile for life!

About the Practice

The talented team of Forni Dental is dedicated to helping Lake Wales and the surrounding communities achieve happy, healthy, and complete smiles. That’s why they offer state-of-the-art technology, high-quality dental materials, and the latest dental techniques to help their patients overcome issues like tooth loss. They’re even a certified provider of TeethXpress, which can help you replace your missing teeth in just one day! To see if you’re a good candidate, they can be contacted via their website or at (863) 676-6021.