The Oral Health Tracker national report card in Australia shows that many Australians are not caring for their teeth as they should. Tooth decay is the most widespread chronic disease, and only just over half of Australians are brushing their teeth twice per day, as recommended by dentists.

Even scarier is the knowledge that the average Australian adult is missing around five teeth. That’s why dental implants are growing in popularity, with thousands of people visiting their dentists to perform the procedure and get back that coveted set of pearly whites.

Dental implants are replacement teeth that replace one or more teeth in the front or back. They take the form and function of a natural tooth but are permanently fixed in place, unlike dentures.

While Dental Implant don’t decay as regular teeth do, they do require care and attention. Read on to learn how to maintain your dental implants and why they might be right for you.

Brush

The brushing process for dental implants is similar, or the same, to regular teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush all your teeth, including the implant, twice daily. Dentists recommend brushing for about two minutes, morning and night.

Toothpaste

The market is full of different toothpaste options, which can make it hard to decide which one to use. For your teeth and dental implants, always opt for a low-abrasion toothpaste. If you’re not sure which one is best, ask your dentist for advice.

The Brushing Process

It’s crucial to brush around the implant crown as well as underneath it. The more thorough you are, the healthier your dental implant can be. With the rest of your teeth, clean the inner and outer sides, as well as the chewing sides. For those hard-to-reach places, use a nylon-coated interdental brush.

Flossing

The flossing process can be carried out for natural teeth and dental implants. An unwaxed tape is an ideal option, but special floss for implants is also available. Talk to your dentist about their recommendation for your mouth. Follow this process up with an oral irrigator to take care of any loose debris your brush and floss couldn’t wholly remove.

Checkups

Alongside a regular and consistent oral hygiene routine, it’s also essential to see a dentist for a checkup at least once per year. Your dentist can take an x-ray and look for anything that could become an issue in the future or might be now. They may also offer recommendations for how to care for your teeth properly and advise whether dental implants might be right for you.

Losing teeth to an accident, injury, or decay can see the need for dental implants. Dental implants are put in place by dentists to perform and look as your natural teeth once did. If you’re suffering from teeth loss and would like to know what options are available, then contact your local dentist for advice.