Caring For Dental Implants
Modern dental care has made many notable advancements to improve the overall health of your teeth. One such area where a dentist in Vero Beach FL can help is with missing teeth. Years ago if you had missing teeth the only solution was the use of dentures or bridges. These did help but denture users still suffered from other issues such as the deterioration of the jawbone over time. With dental implants from a Vero Beach dentist you can eat, talk, and your jawbone remains healthy. While modern dental implants are designed to be long-lasting you still need to care for your dental implants properly.
Proper Care
While you don’t have to worry about dental implants getting cavities you still need to take the proper steps to ensure your dental implants last a long time.
1. General Brushing and Flossing Tips
One area where dental implants are like regular teeth is that they also need to be brushed and flossed regularly. Your dental implants will not be harmed by toothpaste so if you still have natural teeth you can continue using toothpaste with fluoride. There are also kinds of toothpaste designed to be used with dental implants.. These types of toothpaste lack abrasive ingredients while still providing a healthy cleaning. Another reason to brush your dental implants is that it can prevent plaque from damaging the color and texture of your implants. Regular flossing removes food particles from between your teeth and keeps your breath fresh and your gums healthy. Be sure to floss deep into the gum line for a thorough cleaning. Flossing after meals is also advisable as it helps remove fresh food particles and prevents collection.
2. Toothbrush Tips
Your dentist in Vero Beach will advise on proper care and brushing techniques as this can improve your overall dental health and keep your implants in good condition. Soft bristle toothbrushes are advised because they provide effective cleaning without doing any surface damage and still being gentle on your gums. An electric toothbrush can also be an option as an electric brush provides a more thorough clean due to the increased strokes. Also, be sure to brush often at least twice a day (in the morning and at night) to remove build-up, and improve dental health.
3. Consider Crown and Bridge Floss
When flossing you may want to consider using crown and bridge floss. This type of floss is specifically designed to work with dental implants. It has a fuzzy texture in the middle of the floss, which is ideal for cleaning the surface of your dental implants and your gum line. This floss also has stiff ends to make it easier to insert between your teeth.
4. Use Oral Irrigation
Another method of keeping your dental implants clean and preventing food build-up is using oral irrigation. Oral Irrigation involves using pressurized water to achieve the same results as flossing. If you have problems using floss to clean your teeth and gums, oral Irrigation can be a useful alternative method of cleaning these hard-to-reach spots.
5. Professional Cleaning
At least twice yearly you should see a periodontist in Vero Beach FL for a professional cleaning. When you go to your dentist for a professional cleaning they will thoroughly polish the implants to keep them looking good, check for any damage, and they will also examine your gums to verify they are in good condition. If there are any issues, your dentist will then discuss the next best course of action.
Final Thoughts
When you need to replace missing teeth, dental implants provide a stable long-term solution that restores your teeth. With the help of a Vero Beach dental professional, you can restore your smile. With proper care and regular checkups, you also ensure the health of your dental implants as long as you have them. At Vero Implants and Periodontics, we can help you. Contact us today to learn more.