Maintaining your Dental Implants

There are many situations where teeth could be lost. The patient could be injured in an accident or sporting incident, may have a long term health condition or may lose their tooth due to poor dental hygiene or care. It is not uncommon for an adult to have some missing teeth but over time, lost teeth could cause a problem for them as they lose the ability to talk or eat properly.

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Many dentists use implants as replacement for missing teeth. However, in order for the patient to enjoy continued use of their implant, there is a great deal of maintenance which needs to be done.

This maintenance will ensure that the implant, together with the surrounding area of the mouth and gums remains healthy and free of any further disease or cavity.

• Hygiene

With the right daily hygiene, there is no reason why a dental implant won’t last indefinitely. Once it has been fitted, finished and has integrated with the bone inside the jaw, it should be treated just as a normal tooth would be. This means brushing twice daily and after meals, flossing and the use of mouth wash. Many dental professionals now recommend the use of an electrical toothbrush which can simply reach into more surfaces than brushing manually, as well as brushing faster and ridding the mouth of more harmful bacteria.

They also recommend limiting sweet and sugary foods and drinks, or at the very least ingesting all sugary treats in one session then brushing the teeth afterwards.

• Impact

Implants are only successful as long as they remain fused to the bone in the jaw. If this fusion fails, the implant may fail. Therefore, it is essential that the patient is careful with the foods they eat, the sports they do and to reduce any excess chewing or teeth grinding.

• Infection

Under normal circumstances, an infection can be extremely painful but with implants, they can be exceptionally so and can result in the failure of the implant altogether. Therefore, it is necessary for the patient to attend a dental implant clinic on a regular basis to ensure that any and all bacteria and plaque are removed safely and thoroughly. Dental hygiene appointments should take place ideally every 3 – 6 months, although a dental professional may recommend more regular  appointments once an implant has been fitted.

• Health

General body health can have a great affect on dental health. Some conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or thyroid conditions can have an adverse effect on dental health if those conditions aren’t managed properly.

If you have any concerns over your oral health then it is always best to speak to your dentist, or dental nurse. They are best placed to provide you with any advice, guidance or treatment you may need.

Chew These Healthy Teeth Facts Over

We all know that the key to a healthy life, and professed longevity, is a well balanced diet with lots of exercise.  In fact, few of us would argue with that.  We know that too much sugar or fat can make us feel lethargic and bloated, and can do horrible things to our blood sugar levels.  However, they can also have a significant impact on our oral health.

With this in mind, we are going to focus on how five a day can help keep your teeth healthy too, and which foods you should be looking at to improve oral health.

 

  

#1. Oranges: 

 

Most of us know that oranges are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, but few of us really understand why this is a big deal. Oranges, like all citrus fruits, are full of Vitamin C which can help to strengthen blood vessels.  This can in turn improve circulation and help reduce inflammation which could lead to gingivitis.

#2. Strawberries: 

 

These little sweet fruits are also bursting with Vitamin C, so have the same benefits as grapefruits, lemons and oranges.  In fact, they are so good for you that just half a cup of strawberries can provide you with 70% of your daily recommend allowance of Vitamin C.

#3. Raisins

 

These little dried fruits are naturally sweet, which means you can get your fix without filling yourself with sucrose or sugar.  This is particularly good as sugar help ensure that bacteria stick to the surface of teeth, which in turn can cause decay.  Recent research has even suggested that raisins, which contain phytochemicals, may kill cavity causing plaque bacteria as well, which is an added bonus.

#4. Apples, carrots and cucumbe:

 

In fact, any fruit or veg with a bit of crunch to it are likely to be of benefit to your teeth.  The act of chomping down on these crunchy snacks, and then engaging in a slightly more prolonged chewing episode can actually serve as a cleaning mechanism for the mouth.  Any bacteria left on the teeth surface from previous meals or drinks can be wiped off an removed in the process.

#5. Cranberries

 

These little fruits contain polyphenols which are proven to slow the growth of the bacteria often associated with cavities. This means that there are fewer cavities, and less chance of developing gum disease. However, it is worth pointing out that as cranberries are in themselves very tart, you must be careful that sugar has not been added to any cranberry based products as this would defeat the object!

Of course, simply sticking to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is not enough to ensure that your teeth will remain healthy.  It is important to see your dentist regularly, brush twice a day and follow good oral hygiene.

About the Author:

 

David has a keen interest in oral health. His articles on the subject inform readers of all aspects of dental health and advise how five a day will keep your teeth healthy too.