About Me

Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

If you are a senior considering dental implants, you may have to worry about issues other dental patients don't have to think about. For example, you may need more time to recover after receiving your implants. My name is Jodi, and I've been working with seniors for years. I decided to create this blog to help the seniors I can't meet in person. In this space, I'm going to post entries on everything related to dental implants and seniors. From tips on flossing implants after arthritis has claimed some of your dexterity, to guiding you through the implants-vs-dentures debate, this blog is designed for you. Thanks for reading. I hope you find what you need!

Tags

Search

Latest Posts

Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

Home Care Tips to Make Your Dental Implants Last For a Long Time

by Jimmy Carter

When your natural tooth is no longer able to support itself, it will be removed by a qualified dentist and then it will be replaced by a dental implant. These are synthetic frames that are surgically placed into the jawbone underneath your gums. They provide support for artificial teeth, such as dentures and bridges. To get the implants, you must be committed to keeping them clean. The following are the vital care tips for your new dental implants:

Using fluoride to prevent decay

To reduce the risk of your implant from deteriorating, only use fluoride toothpaste. Make sure that you brush at least twice a day, in the morning and evening. While brushing your implant, be sure to clean all the implant's surfaces and edges in the same way that you brush your natural teeth. Even though plaque may not cause problems to your implant, it can still get stuck to the implant's surface, which can cause decay in your surrounding teeth and gums.

Use only the recommended toothbrushes

Your dentist has to recommend a specially designed toothbrush for cleaning your dental implants. You may need to buy the inter-dental toothbrush that has a unique structural design made to give you easy access to all parts of the implant. They also have an angled neck that provides better access to hard-to reach parts of the implants. Their thin-shaped brush head eases the cleaning of the implant's narrow areas. Furthermore, their soft-ended round bristles will ensure that you have a mild brushing of the implants.

Dental implant flossing

Your dental implants require regular flossing to prevent the periodontal disease which can lead to dental implant failure. There are several types of floss sold on the market, and your dentist will advise you to use un-waxed dental tape or the implant-made floss that can effectively protect the implant's surrounding tissue. To use the implant floss, get a dental tape and move the floss on both sides of the implant. You should then encircle the floss around the implant and then move it in a criss-cross motion in the front.

Avoid consuming a lot of sugary foods

Sugary foods are a reason for plaque build-up on the gums around your implant. Too much plaque can cause gum diseases, and this means that your dental implants will remain vulnerable as long as your gums are at a risk of contracting gum diseases. So, generally avoid sugars, acids and starch, which can be dangerous to your teeth and the gums.

Dental implants are costly to buy and to install, that is why they deserve the best home care and maintenance to keep them functioning well just like the normal teeth. The above practices will help your dental implants last for long without getting any problems. But above all, strictly adhere to your dentist's oral hygiene tips and care advisory.

Share