The thing that makes dental implants so unique is that they replace the roots of the missing teeth. They allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t find with dentures or dental bridges. One of the greatest benefits of dental implants is that they have an astonishing success rate of over 95%. To achieve this, it’s important that you care for your implants properly. This includes avoiding bad habits. Here are some of the habits that you should be avoiding.
Nail Biting
This is a common nervous habit that many of us are guilty of doing. In addition to introducing harmful bacteria into your body, biting your nails can have negative effects on your dental health. You could end up with a chipped tooth or damaged dental implant. Also, but keeping your jaw in a protruded position, you are placing pressure on it. It is also possible for you to injure your gum tissue. Unfortunately, this habit is challenging to break. Some method that patients have found useful are reducing stress, applying a bitter polish, or investing in a manicure.
Grinding & Clenching
This harmful dental habit is one that many people don’t even realize that you do. It can result in chipped and cracked teeth as well as muscle tenderness and joint pain. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may supply you with a customized nightguard to wear while you sleep. If you grind or clench during the day, it’s beneficial to use relaxation exercises.
Brushing Vigorously
It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day for optimal oral health. However, if you are brushing too hard, you can cause the gums to recede and become irritated. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply appropriate pressure. Strong implants rely on healthy gum tissue and surrounding teeth.
Chewing on Ice
Did you know that ice is a crystal? This is something that it has in common with your tooth enamel. When two crystals are pressed against each other, one of them is going to break. Most of the time, the ice breaks. However, you don’t want to risk your tooth or dental implant breaking. If temptation is too much, try to drink beverages without ice or use a straw.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
When you use your teeth to open bottles or rip through packaging, you could end up with a chipped or broken tooth. You could even develop a jaw injury. Remember that your teeth are dental implants are intended to chew your food – not other functions. Keep scissors, a bottle opener, pliers, and other tools on hard to help you avoid expensive dental repairs later on.
Frequent Snacking
A diet that is packed full of sugary and starchy foods increases your risk of developing cavities in the teeth surrounding your dental implants. Remember to eat a few balanced meals throughout the day so that you feel full for longer. This way, you can reduce your urge to pick up snacks throughout the day.
To make your implants last as long as possible, you need to avoid the harmful habits listed above. This way, you can enjoy your complete smile for many years into the future.
About the Author
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we have a team of board-certified oral surgeons serving patients in the Burke community. If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, they would be happy to help. For more information about dental implants, or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (703) 425-5010.