Cavities are one of the most common problems in natural teeth. According to some estimates, more than 90% of adults have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. But what if some or all of your natural teeth have been replaced by dental implants? Do you still need to worry about cavities, or can you relax a bit when it comes to oral hygiene? This blog post explains some important facts for you to keep in mind.
Dental Implants Cannot Develop Cavities
Natural teeth develop cavities when harmful bacteria multiply in the mouth. The bacteria form a sticky film called plaque that clings to the teeth. Plaque is acidic, and over time, it can cause tiny holes (cavities) to form in teeth.
The restorations (crowns, bridges, and dentures) that get attached to dental implants are made of very different materials than natural teeth. For example, many of them are made of porcelain or ceramic. These materials are not susceptible to cavity formation, so you never have to worry about your prosthetic teeth developing spots of decay!
Oral Hygiene Is Still Important
Diligent and thorough oral hygiene is vitally important for preventing cavity formation in natural teeth. But if you no longer have natural teeth, does that mean you can let your guard down when it comes to brushing and flossing? No, it does not!
Even though dental implants cannot get cavities, the tissue around them is still vulnerable to harm. If you allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate in your mouth, you could face some serious consequences.
For example, bacteria could invade your gums and lead to an infection around your dental implants. This condition, known as peri-implantitis, can damage the bones and soft tissue around your implants. Eventually, it can become so severe that the implants start to loosen. They could end up completely failing!
Other potential outcomes of neglecting oral hygiene include:
- Bad breath
- Discoloration on your implants
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth
Caring for Your Implants
Your dentist can provide personalized coaching on how you can take care of both your dental implants and your natural teeth. Here are some practical steps that they may recommend:
- Thoroughly brush your teeth (natural and artificial) twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily, or use a water flosser to clean between your teeth. You may also need to clean beneath your dental implant bridges or dentures.
- Attend routine dental checkups at least twice a year.
- Call your dentist if you start to notice any unusual symptoms around your implants, such as redness, swelling, or pain.
Dental implants can spare you from cavities, but just like natural teeth, they need to be taken care of!
Meet the Practice
At Blue Wave Dental, Dr. David and our team provide comprehensive dental implant services. Dr. David is a highly experienced implant dentist and a Fellow of the prestigious Misch International Implant Institute. To discover how he and our team may be able to serve you, contact our Walnut Creek office at 925-934-3395.