Whether you have dental implants or you are thinking about getting them in the near future, there’s no denying that they are an excellent choice when it comes to tooth replacement. One of the many benefits is that they are long lasting. However, they won’t be around for very long if you aren’t caring for them properly. As strong as they are, dental implants in Carrollton are not indestructible. Be sure that you are avoiding the following bad habits.
Biting Your Nails
This is a difficult habit to give up, and it is a very common one. Not only is it bad for your overall health because you are bringing new bacteria and viruses into your body, but you could also accidentally damage your dental implants. This is because nail biting can cause your teeth to break and chip. It also causes you to place your jaw in a more protruded position for too long. You could even end up tearing your gum tissue. A few ways that people have been able to give up this habit is by reducing stress, using a bitter nail polish, and investing in a manicure.
Brushing Too Hard
You have to brush your natural teeth and implants in order to maintain excellent oral hygiene, but if you are doing it too hard, you could be doing more harm than good. If you are brushing too hard, you could end up damaging your natural tooth enamel and gum tissue. Your dental implants rely on healthy gum tissue in order to be successful. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions.
Biting on Non-Food Objects
Some people find themselves chewing on non-food items as a nervous habit. Usually, this includes pens, pencils, or other objects. When you do this, you are putting a lot of pressure on your implants and can damage the bone that they are secured in.
Use Your Teeth as Tools
It may seem convenient for you to use your teeth in order to do simple jobs, like pop bottles, rip through stubborn packaging, or cut through thread. However, a dentist in Carrollton warns that these types of things are the reason behind many different dental emergencies. Because dental implants don’t have a periodontal ligament to cushion them, they are especially vulnerable to pulling and twisting forces.
Snacking Too Much
Many of us like to munch on snacks throughout the day, but if you eat them constantly, your teeth will pay the price. When bacteria feed off sugary and starchy foods, they release an acid as a by-product. In the end, your natural tooth enamel can become damaged and you will be much more likely to experience tooth decay. When the teeth surrounding your implant aren’t healthy, it can suffer as well.
Implants are a great option for people who are missing teeth, but you need to take care of them so that they last a long time. This way, you can reap the benefits for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Ali Albeer is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over 23 years. He graduated from Baghdad University Dental School and worked as a teaching assistant for several years before moving to the United States. He graduated second in his class from the University of Colorado Dental School and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Albeer is also a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. For more information on dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (972) 446-1111.