Cavities are extremely common. In fact, if you have never had a cavity, you are part of a rare minority! If you have dental implants or are considering them, you may wonder whether cavities are still a concern. Can they be affected like natural teeth, and will you have to do anything special to protect your implants? This post will provide a clear understanding of cavities, explain why dental implants are immune to them, and offer guidance for maintaining excellent oral health after receiving your new prosthetic teeth.
Understanding Cavities and Dental Implants
Cavities develop when bacteria in your mouth interact with sugars and starches from your diet. These bacteria consume sugar and produce acids that form a sticky layer known as plaque. Plaque is highly acidic, and exposure to it over time can weaken tooth enamel, resulting in small holes called cavities. For a cavity to form, three elements must be present: oral bacteria, sugar or starch, and natural tooth enamel. This combination makes cavities an ever-present concern for those with natural teeth.
A dental implant is designed to replace a missing tooth and does not contain natural enamel. The absence of enamel means that the plaque and acids produced by oral bacteria cannot erode the surface of the implant in the same way they do with natural teeth. As a result, dental implants are impervious to cavities!
You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your implants will not develop cavities, but does that mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene? Not at all.
The Importance of Oral Care with Implants
Your oral hygiene routine remains crucial even after receiving dental implants. While implants themselves cannot get cavities, the soft tissues and bone surrounding them are still vulnerable to infection. If oral bacteria accumulate, plaque can form along the gumline and invade the tissue around your implants. This situation can lead to a serious infection that jeopardizes your implants. In fact, it could cause them to fail altogether. Fortunately, good oral hygiene can do much to prevent such a sad outcome.
Tips for Maintaining Dental Implants
Here are some specific things you can do to protect your dental implants from infection:
- Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss or use a water flosser to clean between your teeth and around your implants. If you have an implant-supported bridge, clean underneath it as well.
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse if recommended by your dentist.
- Attend regular dental checkups to monitor the health of your implants and surrounding tissues.
- Avoid smoking or biting on hard objects, as these habits may damage your implants or oral tissues.
- Follow any specific instructions provided by your dental professional regarding implant care.
If you have replaced all your teeth with dental implants, you will never have to worry about cavities again. However, you still need a thorough oral care routine so your prosthetic teeth can stay healthy.
Meet the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Hammond, our on-staff periodontist, Dr. Shawn Thomas, is proud to provide a range of advanced implant services, including the placement surgery, restoration, and more. If you have questions about dental implants or how to keep them in good shape, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 219-933-4900.