Dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral health, function, and confidence. Designed to replace missing teeth, implants can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care. However, certain habits can compromise their success and shorten their lifespan. If you’ve recently received implants or are considering them, knowing which behaviors to avoid is key to protecting your investment. Here are some common bad habits to avoid with dental implants.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Just because implants aren’t real teeth doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Failing to brush and floss daily can lead to peri-implantitis, a gum disease-like condition that affects the tissue around implants. This can result in inflammation, bone loss, and even implant failure.
What to do instead: Brush twice a day, floss daily (using implant-safe floss or interdental brushes), and attend regular cleanings and checkups. Your dentist may also recommend using a water flosser for a deeper clean around the implant.
Smoking or Vaping
Smoking is one of the top causes of implant failure. It restricts blood flow, impairs healing, and increases the risk of infection after implant surgery. Nicotine from vaping can have similar effects on your oral health.
What to do instead: If you smoke or vape, consider quitting before undergoing implant surgery. Many dentists require patients to stop smoking before and after the procedure to increase the chance of long-term success.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, puts excessive pressure on your implants. Over time, this can cause wear, bone stress, or loosening of the implant crown.
What to do instead: If you suspect you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a custom nightguard. This protective device can cushion your implants and natural teeth during sleep.
Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open bottles, tear packaging, or hold objects can be damaging, especially when you have dental implants. This kind of stress can chip the implant crown or even damage the underlying structure.
What to do instead: Use the appropriate tools for these tasks and treat your implants with the same care you’d give natural teeth.
Chewing Hard Foods or Non-Food Items
Chewing ice, hard candies, or pens can crack or damage your implant crown. Although implants are strong, they’re not indestructible.
What to do instead: Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the implant. Cut tough foods into smaller pieces and chew with care, especially during the healing period.
Skipping Dental Appointments
Implants require ongoing monitoring to ensure they remain healthy and stable. Skipping dental visits means problems like infection, bone loss, or bite issues may go unnoticed.
What to do instead: Visit your dentist every 6 months or more frequently if recommended to keep your implants and gums in top shape.
Dental implants can be life-changing, but they require responsible care. Avoiding bad habits like smoking, teeth grinding, and poor hygiene will go a long way in ensuring your implants last for years to come. Treat your implants like natural teeth, and maybe even a little better, and you’ll enjoy a healthy, confident smile for the long haul.
About the Practice
If you’re considering getting dental implants, you can rest assured knowing that the procedure will be carried out by Dr. Louis Olberding, a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. On top of this expert care, we offer flexible dental payment options to help turn your dream of a smile makeover into a reality. Ready to transform your look, oral health, and your life? Schedule an appointment online or call our Lincoln office at (402) 488-2325.