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

If you're unhappy with the look of your smile or you've had numerous issues with your teeth, you might wish to explore the world of dental implants. This procedure is a permanent alternative to full or partial dentures and can truly give you a smile that makes you proud to display. Even though you're no longer at risk of getting cavities, you shouldn't simply forget about taking care of your teeth. Following a series of important steps can increase the length of your dental implants, while also helping you avoid mouth-related issues. Here are some things that you should do.

Limit Your Intake Of Staining Foods

One of the joys of dental implants is how bright and shiny they are — and this is a real departure if you previously had stained teeth. It's important to remember, though, that dental implants can also get stained because of your food and lifestyle choices. Do your best to reduce your intake of foods and drinks that can stain your dental implants. Things such as coffee, red wine and foods that have artificial colors can all pose a threat to the crystal-clear appearance of your dental implants. Likewise, if you're a smoker, it's a good idea to quit the habit for the good of your teeth.

Brush And Floss

While you might be tempted to skip a brushing session and floss your teeth only sporadically, this neglect is not advisable. Brushing your teeth and flossing is a proactive way to reduce your risk of complications with your gums. For example, if you have a piece of food wedged between your dental implants and you don't remove it through brushing or flossing, it will begin to break down and release bacteria. This bacteria will then coat your gums and breed more bacteria. Such issues, over time, can lead to gum disease. However, by brushing and flossing regularly, you'll be decreasing your risk of this problem.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an effective product to give you fresh-smelling breath, but it's also valuable in your fight against gum disease. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can help you dislodge food particles that are stuck around your dental implants, while also killing the harmful bacteria that can increase your risk of gum disease. Plan to use mouthwash daily, or as directed on the bottle, and aim to rinse your mouth for 30 seconds or more to allow the product to do the most good.

Talk to a dentist, such as one from Milner Dentistry, for more information.