Dental implants have proven to increase the confidence of those who have lost teeth. A major advantage for those who get dental implants is they never run the risk of developing tooth decay. Still, oral hygiene is still very important. You should treat your dental implants as if they are your natural teeth – brushing them twice daily and flossing regularly – and you should take special care when considering the type of products you use in order to prevent staining.
Unlike regular teeth, staining on teeth that are supported with dental implants typically only occur when the glazed finish on the implants becomes compromised. Polishing them with abrasive materials or treating them with acid fluoride can strip this important layer and lead to a rough surface that is susceptible to discoloration. Although regular fluoride toothpaste does not harm dental implants, you should avoid toothpastes that contain high amounts of abrasive ingredients such as baking soda and silica. These ingredients are what make natural teeth appear whiter, but over time they can strip the enamel from natural teeth and cause the yellow dentin beneath to show through.
Staining along the gumline is also common with dental implants. This is because the bonding material that is used to fix the implant to the new titanium root beneath your gums is not a natural material. Regular visits to your dentist to clean and polish this area can keep stains along the gumline in check.
You can also minimize stains on your dental implants by avoiding certain food and drinks such as coffee, tea, berries, red wine, and dark-colored soda. Smoking and tobacco chewing also causes staining.
If you are considering dental implants in the Beverly Hills area, please contact Dr. Sands to schedule an appointment.