If you’ve developed unhealthy, bad habits, they can be difficult to break, especially if you’ve done them for years. However, some routines can be harmful for your smile—even if you have dental implants. Which habits should you avoid when you have implants? Here are the top five you should try to stop to hold onto your replacement smile for as long as possible.
Not Brushing and Flossing Every Day
Even with prosthetic teeth, daily hygiene is imperative to keeping your dental implants in good condition. If you struggle to remember to brush and floss every day, you can set an alarm on your phone or put little sticky notes on your bathroom mirror to remind you. Regardless of how you get started, establishing these healthy habits will help you preserve your implants for the long run.
Skipping Dental Checkups
When you received your implants, perhaps you thought your days of visiting the dentist were behind you, but regular checkups are just as important now as they were before. During these visits, your dentist can check for any signs of trouble and correct the problem if they find anything amiss. That way, you catch an issue long before it significantly affects your implants or your smile.
Smoking or Vaping
The ill effects of smoking have been common knowledge for decades now. In addition to introducing carcinogens to your body, smoking significantly affects your oral health, especially your gums. If you have dental implants and get a gum infection, it could eventually lead to loose implants or failure.
Although vaping may seem like a healthier alternative to cigarettes, it carries with it the same risks as smoking. This habit promotes bacterial growth in the mouth, increasing your chance of contracting gum disease. If you can, it’s just best to avoid this kind of activity altogether.
Using Your Teeth to Open Packaging
If you don’t have a pair of scissors or a box cutter handy, it can be tempting to use your teeth; however, this nasty habit can put incredible force on your implants. It simply isn’t worth risking failure. Take the time to find the right tool for the job.
Eating Too Much Sugar
No one is saying you can’t have any sugar at all, but the bacteria responsible for gum disease love sugar more than you do! Limiting the amount you have every day can help keep these bacteria under control and help preserve your implants.
Stopping harmful habits can be tricky, but the reward—keep your dental implants—is worth the time and effort you put into it. If you need help overcoming these routines, ask a friend or family member to help you stop and replace bad habits with healthy ones!
About the Practice
Sparkling Smiles is proud to use the latest technology in dental implant and other treatments. We handle the entire process in-house, including placement, restoration, and maintenance. Dr. Dave Lee and Dr. Lauren Lee Polito are a father-daughter team that have continued to build on their expertise so that you receive the best care possible. To schedule an appointment at Sparkling Smiles in Fayetteville, click here or call us at 770-679-2109.