In most cases, dental implants last a lifetime, but they do require proper care if they’re going to last for life. If you’ve had dental implants placed recently, it’s important to take good care of them. Follow these tips to make sure you enjoy your implants for a lifetime.

Tip #1 – Brush and Floss Regularly

Just like you’d brush and floss your natural teeth, you need to brush and floss your implants regularly as well. However, when you brush, talk to your dentist before using vibrating electric toothbrushes. Vibrations have the potential to loosen implants, which can be costly and difficult to fix. Water pics can also prove helpful for keeping implants and the gums around them healthy and clean.

Tip #2 – Be Careful What You Eat and Drink

The great thing about dental implants is that they function like your normal teeth. They are strong enough to deal with most foods. However, you should be careful with crunch foods and you should never chew on ice or use teeth to open containers. You’ll also want to be careful about consuming hot and cold items together, since the crowns of your implants are probably covered with porcelain. Consuming hot and cold foods or drinks together could cause the porcelain to expand and contract, resulting in cracking or chipping.

Tip #3 – Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits

After your implant is placed, you’ll have regular appointments with your oral surgeon, which are important. However, even after healing has taken place, it’s still essential to keep up with your routine dental visits and cleanings. Your dentist should see you every 4-6 months and it’s important to see a dentist that is familiar with dental implants. The dental implants should be checked regularly to detect any problems early before they become big issues.

Dental implants are a great investment and they have the potential to last for life. Just keep these tips in mind so you care for them appropriately, boosting their lifespan.