Dental implants are one of the most durable tooth replacement options available today. With proper care, they can last for decades; however, their longevity isn’t guaranteed. Certain everyday habits can place unnecessary stress on your implants or increase the risk of complications.
If you’ve invested in dental implants, avoiding these 4 bad habits can help protect your new smile for years to come.
1. Skipping Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Although dental implants can’t develop cavities, the gums and bone surrounding them are still vulnerable to bacterial infection. Plaque buildup around an implant can lead to peri-implant mucositis or the more serious condition known as peri-implantitis, which can damage the supporting bone and potentially cause implant failure.
To keep your implants healthy, brush twice a day, floss daily, and clean around the implant as instructed by your dentist. Regular professional cleanings and routine dental exams are equally important for removing hardened plaque and monitoring the health of your implants.
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of long-term implant success.
2. Using Your Teeth as Tools
It can be tempting to use your teeth to open packages, tear tape, hold small objects, or crack nuts, but these habits can damage both natural teeth and dental implants.
While implant restorations are made from durable materials such as porcelain or zirconia, they are not indestructible. Using them for anything other than chewing food can chip, crack, or loosen the restoration and place excessive force on the implant itself.
Instead, reach for scissors, bottle openers, or the proper tool for the job. Your smile will thank you.
3. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Many people grind or clench their teeth while sleeping without realizing it. This condition, known as bruxism, places tremendous pressure on both natural teeth and dental implants.
Over time, excessive force can wear down implant restorations, loosen screws, or contribute to damage of the surrounding bone. If your dentist notices signs of grinding, they may recommend wearing a custom nightguard while you sleep to protect your smile.
Managing stress and addressing sleep-related issues may also help reduce nighttime grinding.
4. Smoking or Using Tobacco Products
Smoking is one of the biggest threats to dental implant success. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, slows healing, and increases the risk of infection after implant placement. It also significantly raises the likelihood of peri-implant disease and long-term implant failure.
Even after your implants have healed, smoking continues to affect the health of the tissues supporting them. Quitting tobacco not only improves your oral health but also benefits your overall well-being and helps protect your investment in your smile.
Dental implants are designed to provide a strong, stable, and natural-looking solution for missing teeth, but they require proper care to perform their best. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding harmful habits, protecting your teeth from grinding, and steering clear of tobacco products, you can greatly increase the lifespan of your implants.
About the Practice
Dental Associates of Delaware proudly offers our patients dental implants as the modern gold standard to replace their teeth. We have 6 locations across the state for your convenience, and some of our offices can even complete the entire implant procedure in-house! Come see why we’ve received over 3,000 5-star reviews on Google. Book online or call an office near you.