Dental implants are one of the most common ways to replace missing teeth. These titanium screws are the only option that replaces both the roots and the crown. They fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which makes them incredibly durable and long-lasting. Though dental implants can last a lifetime as long as you take good care of them, there are several things that can lead to implant failure. Continue reading to learn about four bad habits that you should avoid if you have dental implants.
Habit #1: Biting Your Nails
When bored or stressed, many people bite their nails. Whether it’s a nervous habit or just something you do to pass the time, this can lead to dental damage. This bad habit can cause chips or cracks in both your dental implants and your natural teeth. Additionally, putting your fingers in your mouth may allow harmful bacteria to wreak havoc on your oral health.
Instead, chew on some sugarless gum. Not only will it taste better, but it also won’t contribute to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Habit #2: Using Your Teeth as Tools
When you don’t have a bottle opener, a Nutcracker, or other tools, it may be tempting to use your teeth to open food and drinks. This may seem harmless, but the sudden, harsh pressure can damage your dental implants and pearly whites. It may even hurt your jawbone. Make sure to have the right tools on hand so that you won’t be tempted to use your teeth.
Habit #3: Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
You may already know that smoking and using other tobacco products can harm your health, but it can damage your smile as well. For one, smoking makes the environment in your mouth drier. This allows harmful bacteria to thrive and raises your risk of gum disease.
Smoking can also impede osseointegration since it makes it harder for your body to heal properly. This can lead to implant failure and makes you more likely to develop gum disease and other oral infections. If you need help breaking this habit, speak with your dentist, doctor, or therapist.
Habit #4: Eating Too Much Sugar
Though the occasional sweet treat won’t be the end of your beam, eating too many sugary snacks can do a lot of harm. Oral bacteria feed on the sugar in these traits and release acids that attack your enamel. This weakens your smile and makes your teeth more susceptible to decay.
If it gets bad enough, you will lose additional teeth, which may put your implants at risk of failing. Consuming too much sugar also raises your chances of gum disease. Eat and drink sweet treats in moderation to preserve both your natural teeth and your implants.
About the Practice
If you need some extra help keeping your smile healthy, you’ve come to the right place. Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien administers a variety of exceptional treatments, including dental implants to replace missing teeth. They can teach you about what bad habits to avoid to ensure that your dental implants last as long as possible. Are you ready to make an appointment with Dr. David Thomas or do you want to learn more about their services? If so, call Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien’s office at (206) 244-4622 or visit their website to get started.
