Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

If you have lost some teeth, you may be considering dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are implanted into your jawbone. They look like natural teeth and are very strong, so they can be great substitutes for the teeth you have lost. However, you may not be aware that you must be approved for dental implant procedures by your dentist; some people are not eligible for these kinds of implants due to dental issues. If you are interested in getting dental implants, use the following suggestions to make yourself a good candidate.

Eat a Diet High in Bone-Boosting Nutrients

Because the implant will be drilled into your jaw, the dentist will have to examine your jaw's bone density to ensure that it is strong enough to hold the implant. Eating a diet high in calcium and vitamin D, two bone-boosting nutrients, can help you to have strong bones that are dense enough to support an implant. You might want to also add a multi-vitamin for optimum health.

Keep Good Oral Habits

One of the easiest things you can do to prove you're a good candidate for dental implants is to keep your gums and teeth clean. When you allow bacteria to build up in your mouth, it could lead to cavities or gum disease. Not only that, but bacteria buildup could also mean that your dental implant site might become infected, in some cases causing loss of the jawbone supporting the implant, a condition called peri-implantitis. If you have had cavities recently or have been diagnosed with gum disease, your cosmetic dentist may want to wait a while before putting in dental implants so that there is a lower chance that you get this condition.

Quit Cigarette Smoking

You may know that smoking is very bad for your lungs, but you might not realize how awful it is for your oral health too. If you are a smoker, it is possible that the smoke you are inhaling could cause less blood to flow to your gums; less blood flow means that it will take longer for your mouth to "accept" the implant. Smoke may also burn oral tissues in your mouth. Therefore, being a smoker can make you a very bad candidate for dental implants.

Now that you know how you can make yourself a more attractive candidate for dental implants, use the tips in this article to help you improve your dental health. For more information, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area.