4 Bad Habits to Avoid with Dental Implants

When it comes to maintaining optimal dental health, tooth loss or extraction can be addressed with the use of dental implants. These artificial teeth offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. However, to safeguard the long-term effectiveness of your dental implants, it’s essential to be mindful of certain habits. In this guide, we’ll explore four detrimental practices that should be avoided to ensure the longevity of your dental implants.

Habit #1: Bad Oral Hygiene

Although dental implants themselves are impervious to cavities, it remains imperative to prioritize the overall health of your natural teeth. In the event of cavities affecting your natural teeth, swift and effective treatment is essential to avert complications such as tooth infections, which could escalate to necessitate extractions.

Failure to prioritize oral health may contribute to the displacement of implants and natural teeth, potentially leading to additional tooth loss or implant failure. Gum disease further exacerbates these risks.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Brushing your teeth regularly, both in the morning and at night, helps remove plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and complications that could impact dental implants.

Habit #2: Consuming Too Much Sugar

Although sugar may be enjoyable for your taste buds, it’s not the best option for your dental health. Sugar acts as a fuel source for harmful mouth bacteria, resulting in the release of acids that attack tooth enamel.

This weakens enamel and raises the risk of cavities. To support a healthier smile, reduce your sugar consumption and include tooth-friendly foods in your diet, such as dairy products, nuts, fish, lean meats, leafy greens, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Habit #3: Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Participating in cigarette smoking significantly raises the risk of diverse oral health problems, such as gum disease, cavities, and the onset of oral cancer. Moreover, smoking is a recognized factor in the development of gum disease, which, in turn, increases the chances of facing implant failure.

If you’re aiming to quit smoking, consider arranging an appointment with your dentist, doctor, or therapist. This will enable you to access resources and receive support as you embark on your journey to quit.

Habit #4: Nail Biting & Using Your Teeth as Tools

Steering clear of habits like nail-biting or using your teeth as tools to open bottles and packages is vital to prevent cracks or chips in both dental implants and natural teeth. These actions can introduce harmful bacteria into your mouth, elevating the risk of gum disease and cavities.

Consider replacing these habits with alternatives, such as chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candy. This will contribute to safeguarding the longevity of your implants and maintaining overall oral health.

Ensuring the durability of your dental implants requires a commitment to good oral habits and the avoidance of harmful practices. By prioritizing oral hygiene and making positive lifestyle choices, you pave the way for implant success for years to come!

About the Practice

Under the guidance of Dr. Steven E. Amburgey, Amburgey Dental brings over 15 years of expertise in the field of oral health to help patients maintain vibrant, beautiful smiles. Committed to exceptional care for Abingdon residents, Dr. Amburgey and his team offer valuable insights on habits to avoid if you have dental implants, promoting the long-term success of your restorations. For help scheduling appointments or more information about dental implants, visit Amburgey Dental’s website or contact their office at (276) 258-5568.