If you want a sturdy, long-term solution to missing teeth, look no further than dental implants. They can replace not only the visible crown of your teeth, but the root as well. In addition, they have the potential to last a lifetime. However, they only last that long if they stay clean and infection-free. To help you out, we’ve written this guide to preventing dental implant infections in Gainesville.
Maintain Dental Hygiene
Even in people without dental implants, daily brushing and flossing will help prevent oral infection. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities. Take extra care to floss all your remaining teeth and around your implant restoration to keep gum disease at bay. These practices also remove leftover food particles that, if left behind, can attract harmful bacteria.
Rinse Regularly
Many people don’t know that a proper oral hygiene regimen should include rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash every day. This is especially true in the first few months after you get implants, while the wound is still healing, as you’re more likely to develop an infection then. Alternatively, you could rinse with saltwater to decrease your risk of infection around your dental implants in Gainesville.
Visit Your Dentist Often
Regular dental checkups are important, but especially if you recently got implants. The implant site can be very susceptible to infections while it’s still healing, so it’s imperative that you see your dentist as often as they recommend. They can stop any signs of infection before they become so advanced that they compromise your implant.
Limit Sugary Foods and Beverages
During the implant healing process, it’s a good idea to keep your consumption of high-sugar foods and drinks to a minimum. These items contain lots of excess sugar that gets left behind in the mouth unless you brush, floss, and rinse immediately after eating or drinking. Bacteria can then be attracted to the implant site and drastically increase your risk of infection.
In order to keep your implants healthy and viable, it’s best to follow these suggestions to a T. Preventive care is the best practice when it comes to maintaining healthy dental implants and keeping your smile whole.
About the Author
Dr. Gabriel Nossa is a family and implant dentist in Gainesville, FL. He earned his doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has since spent many hours taking post-graduate courses in many different areas of dentistry, including the placement and restoration of dental implants. To learn more about taking care of your implants, visit Dr. Nossa’s website.