In a perfect world, everyone would keep their natural teeth for a lifetime; however, millions of Americans have one or more missing teeth. Gaps in your smile can cause you to cover your mouth when you talk or avoid social gatherings, and your self-confidence can suffer.
That’s why dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel completely natural, and you won’t have to worry about them slipping or moving around when you eat or talk.
So, when it comes to maintaining your dental implants in Nashville, what are some tips for long-term success? Let’s find out.
6 Tips for Maintaining Your New Smile
Once you’ve invested in dental implants, you’ll want to do everything possible to keep your smile looking and functioning correctly. Here are some tips to help you maintain your dental implants:
- Brush and floss—Just because you have dental implants doesn’t mean you can forego good oral hygiene habits. Be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss between each implant once a day.
- Use mouthwash—Rinsing daily with an antibacterial mouthwash can keep your gums healthy and help you avoid infection.
- Stop smoking—For your oral and overall health, try to quit smoking. Smoking can make you more susceptible to infection and lead to gum disease.
- Avoid grinding your teeth—Grinding your teeth could damage your implants, so talk to your dentist about a mouthguard or other bruxism treatment options.
- Visit your Nashville dentist—Make sure to schedule a regular dental examination and cleaning every six months. This will allow your dentist to check your implants and intervene if you have any dental concerns.
