If you’ve invested in dental implants, it’s only natural to want them to last a lifetime. While implants are designed for durability, proper care is crucial to protect your investment. To help you get the most out of your restoration, Dr. Kristina Dawson shares five expert-approved tips for keeping your dental implants healthy and long-lasting.

1. Practice excellent oral hygiene: The rumor is true—dental implants can’t get cavities. But that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. While the implants themselves are immune to decay, the surrounding gum tissue and bone are still vulnerable to harmful bacteria. You risk infection, inflammation, or even implant failure without proper care. So, keeping up with good oral hygiene is just as important as ever. Brush your teeth at least two times daily. Spend at least two minutes to ensure you reach every surface. Also, don’t forget to floss your teeth to clean areas your toothbrush can’t reach. 
2. Quit tobacco use: Whether chewed or smoked, tobacco of any form isn’t good for your dental implants and overall health. Tobacco increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer—two serious threats that can compromise the success of your implants. For a healthy smile that lasts, it’s best to steer clear of tobacco altogether.
3. Invest in a mouthguard: Do you grind your teeth at night? You may not think too much about this habit, but it has far-reaching effects on your smile. Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) exerts incredible pressure on your teeth, which can damage or dislodge your implant restorations. Protect your teeth and implants from bruxism by considering a bespoke mouthguard. A mouthguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, protecting your smile from bruxism-induced pressure. 
4. Avoid using your teeth as tools: Don’t use your teeth to chew or bite on non-food items. So, avoid using your teeth to cut fingernails, open bottles, or crush ice. Just as these habits can damage your teeth, they can affect implant-based restorations. 
5. Adhere to bi-annual dental visits: Regular oral wellness visits are essential for dental implants. During these visits, the dentist inspects your implant restorations and corrects any issues before it’s too late. The dentist also professionally cleans your teeth to remove unwanted deposits. 

Everyone has a reason to smile about dental implants! Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are securely anchored into the jawbone using biocompatible titanium posts. Why does it matter? Your implants enjoy root-level stability like your natural teeth. This way, your restorations won’t move or shift when eating or talking. Other unbeatable benefits of dental implants include durability, natural aesthetics, and jawbone preservation.