If you’ve recently gotten dental implants to replace a severely decayed tooth, you probably want to do everything that you can to avoid that from happening again. That means taking good care of your teeth, brushing often, and refraining from eating too many sweets.
You may also wonder if you have to worry about your new tooth decaying as well. Dental implants certainly feel very realistic, so you may naturally wonder whether they can suffer from the same health problems as your ordinary teeth. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know.
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Cavities are a consequence of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria consume sugars and secrete acids that erode the enamel on the teeth. This is why a diet rich in sugars can cause cavities.
The crown of dental implants is typically made of porcelain, and that porcelain is ordinarily more resistant to acid erosion than your teeth are. As a result, you don’t really have to worry about your dental implant dealing with cavities. Just another way that your new tooth is stronger than your old one.
What Can Put Your Dental Implants At Risk?
While your dental implant is unlikely to get cavities, that doesn’t mean that neglecting your oral health can’t cause problems for it. One of the biggest risks to dental implants is infection, which is typically a consequence of advanced gum disease.
If bacteria seep under the gum line, it can begin to attack the bone tissue and weaken the integrity of your dental implant. In severe cases, the implant can even fail completely.
How to Care for Dental Implants
If you want to protect your dental implants from infection, good hygiene is critically important. That starts with brushing your teeth twice daily. You should also make an effort to floss at least once a day, and to use mouthwash as well.
One quick note about flossing—you should be careful not to push the dental floss far below the gum line. Dental implants are connected to the gums via something called a peri-implant seal. This seal doesn’t contain nerve endings, meaning that you could potentially break it without realizing.
Keep these tips in mind, and you should be able to minimize both cavities and infection!
About the Author
Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui takes enormous pleasure in her work, and her patients can see that in the high-quality, comfortable dentistry that she provides. Dr. Bui received her degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and finished her residency at the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at South Cove Community Health Center.
If you have any questions about dental implants, she can be reached at our website or by phone at (508) 947-5717.