Dental implants are a popular treatment for tooth loss and missing teeth. An implant is a small metal post that is fitted into the bone and anchored there. Once healed, it serves as an artificial root for a false tooth or bridge. In some cases, dental implants can be used to support part of the lower jawbone where teeth have been removed due to gum disease or injury. You can read more here https://www.drpierre.com.au/cosmetic-dentistry/dental-implants.
Because dental implants rely on the surrounding tissues for their strength and integrity, it is important to take good care of your dental implants. Here are some tips to ensure that your implants will last a lifetime.
The Implant Post
The post is placed into the jawbone beneath the gum and hidden by tissue. The top of the post is then shaped to support a crown, bridge or denture. The biggest enemy of your dental implant is bacteria in your mouth, so it’s important to clean around the implant gently but thoroughly. You can do this by brushing the whole mouth, including the implant area. The gums around the implant and under your tongue are also places to clean often. You may usually have to brush after eating or drinking, or use an oral irrigator to rinse away residue.
Bacterial Plaque
Bacteria loves to gather in moist places, such as your gums and between teeth. This can cause gum disease that weakens the surrounding bone and causes loose teeth or a bad bite. To avoid this, brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Also use an antibacterial mouthwash if you drink excessive amounts of alcohol or smoke. Avoid being too aggressive when brushing; this will only injure your gum tissue.
Dry Mouth
Sjogren’s syndrome and other autoimmune disorders cause a lack of saliva in the mouth. In this case, you need to be even more diligent about cleaning around your dental implants and gums. For example, dry mouth may cause your gums to bleed, so use a gentle scaler to scrape away loose tissue. Chewing gum is helpful too.
Honey
For best results and a longer-lasting implant, try eating 1/2 cup of raw honey every day before bedtime. This will help your bone tissue heal and improve the overall health of your implant. The beneficial bacteria in honey are also thought to help keep teeth and gums healthy.