Most humans develop bad, unhealthy habits at some point in life. Some of these habits are obviously unattractive or socially unacceptable like picking your nose, but others may slip other people’s notice like not cleaning your countertops regularly. However, when you have dental implants, certain bad habits can directly impact your restored smile. In fact, the following habits can make dental implant failure a nightmarish reality.
Smoking or Using Tobacco
For decades, the dangers of cigarettes and other tobacco products on the body have been studied and revealed, but smoking, vaping, and other tobacco uses are just as risky for your implant-retained prosthetic teeth. Not only can the chemicals within tobacco cause health problems overall, but the act of smoking and vaping increases bacterial growth inside the mouth, which can pave the way for peri-implantitis. This gum infection leads to dental implant failure.
Skipping Daily Oral Hygiene
Although your replacement teeth do not consist of enamel and cannot develop decay, plaque and calculus can still build up on them, especially near the gumline. As a result, your gum tissue and jawbone can become infected if daily food debris and plaque are not cleared away. The healthy habits of brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once are essential if you want to keep your implant-retained smile for the long haul.
Having a Sugary, Starchy, Sticky Diet
Once your dental implants have integrated with your jawbone, you can choose what you eat and drink, but your diet decisions do matter for the longevity of your new teeth. Harmful oral bacteria love sugar, carbohydrates, and acidic substances, which means you should try to limit your consumption of them. On the other hand, nutritious foods loaded with vitamins and minerals can strengthen your body’s ability to fight infection, reinforce your jawbone tissue, and protect against implant failure.
Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Your prosthetic teeth do not mean that routine dental visits no longer apply to you. In fact, you must continue to go in for appointments just as regularly as before tooth loss. Remember plaque and bacteria can still accumulate and wreak havoc on your smile, but your dentist can identify and resolve problems before they affect your implants.
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Again, after successful osseointegration and restoration, you have the freedom to choose your diet and beverages. However, excessive alcohol creates a dry environment in your mouth, inviting bacterial growth. As a result, gum infection becomes more likely and increases your risk of loose or lost implants.
You may not get rid of all your bad habits when you get dental implants, but eliminating these bad ones will help your prosthetic teeth last and function for as long as possible. In other words, by changing the bad into good habits, you can enjoy strong, confident smiles for the rest of your life!
About the Practice
The team at Brown, Reynolds, Snow, and Lenoir Dentistry works at two locations in the Richmond, VA area. With most services offered in-house, patients don’t need to travel to another practice for complex care like dental implants. With years of experience and deep connections to the community, our team will help you feel right at home and provide personalized services for your unique needs. To learn more about dental implants, contact one of our offices online or call your preferred location.