San Francisco and Marin CA
A smile says a lot about people without them having to utter a word. It can tell others if we’re feeling well and if we’re friendly, kind, warm and approachable. It can also exude confidence, showing people that we’re comfortable in our own skin. Unfortunately, sometimes smiles can have flaws that leave people embarrassed to smile, hiding their smiles or choosing not to smile altogether. This can wreak havoc on a person’s confidence, even leading to anxiety and depression.
Missing teeth is one of the most common problems keeping people from smiling. Thankfully, it’s a problem we can correct in our San Francisco cosmetic dentist office. Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a natural, seamless look and feel. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a worthy investment. But to ensure their longevity, it’s important to know what you should avoid. Our dental team has compiled the following comprehensive guide to help:
Hard or sticky foods
Hard or sticky foods like nuts, hard candies, caramels, taffy, ice, dried fruit and crusty bread can damage implants and the tissues surrounding them, no differently than the impact these foods can make on natural teeth. Sticky foods are hard to clean from teeth, increasing the risk of plaque build-up around the implant. Instead, stick to softer foods, especially during the initial healing period with implants, and opt for non-sticky alternatives when satisfying a sweet tooth.
Tobacco and alcohol use
Our Marin implant dentist will encourage you to stop smoking before implant surgery because smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of implant failure. Tobacco use also contributes to gum disease, which could jeopardize your implants’ stability. Like smoking, alcohol can interfere with the healing process and reduce the effectiveness of your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
Hard-bristled toothbrushes
Hard-bristled toothbrushes can scratch the surface of teeth, including the crown of dental implants. Our San Francisco implant dentist recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush two times each day — once after breakfast in the morning and once before bed — and floss at least once daily.
Abrasive ingredients
Some toothpastes and mouthwash contain abrasive chemicals that can irritate your mouth and harm prosthetic teeth over time. It’s best to avoid abrasives because, like hard-bristled brushes, they can scratch the surfaces of natural and prosthetic teeth.
Using teeth as tools
Using your teeth to open bottles, tear packages or perform other non-food related tasks can damage to your prosthetic and natural teeth.
Dental implants in the Bay Area
Dental implants can significantly enhance the aesthetics of your smile and face and your quality of life, but they are an investment that requires care to ensure their success. Avoid bad habits, make any necessary lifestyle changes, maintain strong oral health practices and visit us at Glen Park Dental twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings, and you should be able to enjoy your implants for many years to come. If you want to learn more about implants, or if it’s time for your checkup, call (415) 799-3900, or reach us online to schedule a consultation today.
