A healthy smile is an important asset for eating, speaking, and socializing. Thankfully for those with missing teeth, dental implants can restore their complete smile while looking and functioning just like the real thing. Though dental implants are immune to many of the issues that affect natural teeth, it’s still important to keep up with your proper oral hygiene after receiving them. Here’s what you need to know about dental stains and dental implants as well as how to keep your restorations looking great in the long run.
Can Dental Implants Get Stains?
Dental implants are made from high-quality ceramic materials that are designed to imitate the appearance of real teeth while being durable enough to chew safely and reliably. As long as the glaze on their surface remains, dental implants will not accumulate stains. This glaze can be damaged if you treat them with products like abrasive toothpaste, which makes them more vulnerable to discoloration. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste for your daily oral hygiene to keep your dental implants looking great.
How Can I Keep My Dental Implants Pretty and Healthy?
Dental implants look and behave like natural teeth, and while they are immune to tooth decay, they require healthy gums to stay in working order. A few ways to keep your implants looking great include:
Quit tobacco.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of dental implant failure. When you chew tobacco or inhale its smoke, your gums will harden in order to protect themselves from it and the nicotine will cause your blood vessels to constrict. Constantly hardening like that will eventually exhaust your gums and cause them to weaken and recede while frequently constricted blood vessels will make it harder for your gums to heal or fight infection. Kicking the tobacco habit is one of the best things you can do for your implants.
Avoid foods and drinks that are heavy on pigments.
Some foods and drinks can cause teeth or dental implants to become discolored due to being high in pigment. A few common culprits include red wine, coffee, berries, sports drinks, and tea. Enjoy these items in moderation and drink a glass of water alongside them to help wash them away from your teeth.
Practice oral hygiene after every meal.
Foods and drinks can leave acids, sugary residues, and other debris behind after you consume them. These chemicals can erode the health of your teeth, implants, and veneers. Be sure to wait at least half an hour before brushing after meals.
Dental implants are supposed to be a long-term solution. By taking proper care of them, they can last for decades or even a lifetime.
About the Practice
Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen has been providing excellent dentistry services to the community of Jacksonville, FL since 2013. Led by Drs. Richard C. Mullens and James H. Nguyen, the staff provides remarkable dental health care in a modern, safe, and clean office. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. For more information on caring for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (904) 399-3163.