Look Out! 6 Habits to Avoid with Dental Implants

Dental implants in Torrance are a life-changing tooth replacement option for patients missing one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth. After all, they can prevent your jawbone from deteriorating, restore your bite force, and don’t come with a long list of food restrictions. However, to ensure they last 20+ years, it is important to avoid the below harmful habits.

#1. Nail-Biting

According to recent research, roughly 30% of the population engages in habitual nail-biting. So, if you struggle with this chronic bad habit, then you’re not alone. Nevertheless, the pressure on your jaw, the ability to chip your tooth, and the potential damage to your gums are just a few ways it can damage your dental implant. Plus, the bacteria from underneath your nail can leave your implant site vulnerable to infection, especially during the healing period. Therefore, consider wearing a mouthguard or applying bitter-tasting nail polish to prevent this behavior altogether.

#2. Brushing Too Hard

Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day plays a crucial role in keeping your teeth and dental implants in tip-top shape. However, adopting an aggressive brushing technique can do quite the opposite. Not only can it irritate your gums, but it can cause mild to severe recession. To prevent this from happening, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and the proper amount of pressure to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria without aggravating your gums.

#3. Chewing Ice Cubes

When dental implants and ice cubes push against each other, one of them is going to break. Even if the majority of the time the ice is the first to crack, each time you bite into it, you’re running the risk of your dental implant being the one to shatter. Instead, try chewing on sugar-free gum!

#4. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Whether it’s from stress or it’s simply an unintentional habit, the pressure from grinding or clenching your teeth can lead to complications with your dental implants. To prevent them from failing in the short and long-term, ask your dental team about creating a custom mouthguard for you to wear. Otherwise, you can try jaw relaxation exercises or reducing the triggers of stress in your life.

#5. Constant Snacking

During your meals, your saliva production increases to rinse away food particles and neutralize the acids in your mouth. However, snacking on sugary or acidic foods throughout the day, when your salivary glands aren’t as active, increases your risk of enamel erosion, cavities, and gum disease. Therefore, try eating balanced meals to keep you fuller longer and drink plenty of water when you do indulge in a snack.

#6. Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Using your teeth to open bottles, hold items, or break through the chip bag leaves you vulnerable to a number of issues, including jaw injuries and broken dental implants. So, for the sake of your overall oral health, use a bottle opener, find scissors, or ask someone to give you a hand. That way, your day doesn’t involve an emergency trip to the dentist.

Keeping your dental implants in pristine condition is crucial, especially if you want them to last for years to come. Fortunately, you can prolong their lifespan by avoiding the above harmful habits!

About the Practice

Blue Coast Dental is where a highly trained team, the latest dental technology, and a patient-centered approach to care intersect. Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour, Dr. George Cho, and Dr. Peter Refela each use their extensive experience, advanced training in their specialty, and passion for exceeding expectations to help each patient with their unique dental needs. So, whether it’s time for your routine visit or you want to rebuild your smile with state-of-the-art dental implants, visit their website.