Ways to Protect Your Dental Implants

1. To help keep your dental implants clean, brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. In addition to brushing, floss once a day using an interdental brush or proxy brush to help remove plaque from between your teeth and around your gum line.

2. Avoid habits that can put undue stress on your dental implants, such as chewing on hard objects (e.g., ice, hard candy) or using your teeth to open packages.

3. Be cautious when consuming foods that are acidic or high in sugar as they can promote tooth decay and/or gum disease, which can both lead to implant failure. Instead, opt for healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

4. Quit smoking or using other tobacco products as they can increase your risk of developing gum disease and other conditions that can lead to implant failure.