When you’re a dental implant wearer, you want to do what you can throughout the day to keep your implants safe. You know, of course, that this is not something you should stress about. Generally speaking, when you’re thoughtful about your food choices, you keep up with your oral health care (brushing and flossing), and you’re dedicated to visits for cleanings, you’re in good shape. However, for that extra bit of help, we encourage you to remember to keep dry mouth in check. Find out why and how!
About Dry Mouth
You don’t want this disorder if you have dental implants. Why not, you wonder? Well, because when you have dry mouth, you are missing the saliva flow that you need to keep bacteria to a minimum. When the bacteria continue to reproduce in your smile, they will continue to feed on the sugars and carbs that you consume. As they do this, they release acids, which irritate gum tissue and can soften enamel. The result? Eventually: Inflamed gums and cavities!
How It’s Harmful To Implants
“Well, my dental implants aren’t actual tissue, so do gum inflammation and cavities matter?” you ask. Of course! You want your mouth to remain healthy, so implants can stay where they are. Particularly when gum inflammation arises, it can lead to a dangerous disorder known as peri-implantitis, when the tissue around the implant becomes inflamed. It’s dangerous because it can lead to your implant’s failure, instead of its success.
What To Do About It
Call us. If you think dry mouth is affecting you and it has not resolved within a couple days (or after a problem like a cold or allergies have gone away), then let us help!
Protect Implants By Avoiding Oral Health Problems
Come in for visits with us if you think you’re experiencing an issue like dry mouth, so we may help you keep your implants safe! James Stewart, DDS, and our team serve patients from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.