Getting dental implants is the first step toward achieving a dazzling grin. But keeping them looking their best requires some extra effort. Have you recently got implants? Then, you would be thrilled to know that in just seven days, you can make significant changes to your implants and get an amazing result.
From oral hygiene to dietary choices, small but effective changes can help your implants look brighter and more natural. Follow this simple day-by-day plan, and your implants will look stunning by the end of the week.
Day 1: Begin with a Proper Oral Hygiene Routine
Although your implants will not decay like a natural tooth, they still need regular care to maintain their appearance. On the very first day of your implant journey, focus on having a good oral care routine.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Hard bristles can scratch the implant surface, making them dull over time.
- Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste: Do not use whitening toothpaste. They contain harsh ingredients that can damage the ceramic finish of your implants. Instead, go for a gentle, fluoride-based toothpaste.
- Floss with implant-safe options: Regular floss may not be implant-friendly. Instead, use a water flosser or implant-specific floss to remove food debris and plaque around your new teeth.
- Brush twice daily: Continue regular brushing to avoid staining on your implants.
Day 2: Rinse with a Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash
Mouthwash is essential for eliminating bacteria and keeping your breath fresh, but not all types are safe for dental implants.
- Use an antibacterial, non-alcoholic mouthwash: This type of mouthwash is best for preventing plaque buildup around your implant area.
- Rinse after meals: If brushing is not always possible, give your mouth a quick rinse. It can wash away food particles that may cause discoloration.
Day 3: Adjust Your Diet for a Brighter Smile
There are foods and drinks that are essentially bad for your implants. So, if you want to have amazing results for your implants, ensure you avoid these food items.
- Limit stain-causing foods and drinks: Do not indulge much in coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, and berries; these are known to cause implant discoloration.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables: Instead, have apples, carrots, and celery; these are natural toothbrushes that help to remove plaque around the implant.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can dull your implants.
- Use a straw: If you must have coffee or other dark drinks, using a straw reduces their contact with your teeth.
Day 4: Schedule a Professional Cleaning
At-home care routines are good and effective. But nothing compares with professional cleaning. Why so?
- Removes minor stains: Your dentist can deep clean your implants without damaging them, and at the same time, you will have a bright appearance on your smile.
- Prevents plaque buildup: Professional cleanings reduce the risk of bacteria affecting the surrounding gum tissue.
Day 5: Be Careful of Your Habits
Your everyday habits significantly affect your oral health. Smoking and dental implants never go hand in hand. It impacts the overall look of your implants.
- Quit smoking: Smoking weakens your gum health and contributes to discoloration of the implants.
- Rinse your mouth after smoking or drinking: If you can’t avoid certain habits, rinsing your mouth immediately can minimize the staining.
Day 6: Check Your Gum Health for Better Aesthetics
Healthy gums are just as important as clean implants when it comes to a beautiful smile. Inflamed or receding gums can make implants look unnatural.
- Massage your gums gently: It helps in blood circulation and keeps them firm.
- Use a soft toothbrush for gum care: Brushing too hard can cause irritation.
- Try warm saltwater rinses: This helps reduce swelling and supports healing.
- Look for signs of gum issues: If you notice redness or discomfort, take action early by improving your oral hygiene or consulting a dental professional.
Day 7: Final Touches for a Polished Look
By now, your implants should already look noticeably better, but a few final touches can make them even more stunning:
- Consider whitening natural teeth: If you have natural teeth alongside your implants, whitening them can create a more uniform appearance.
- Stick to a maintenance routine: Now that your implants look great, maintaining these habits will keep them that way.
This is how, in just seven days, you can dramatically improve the appearance of your implants. Keep up with these simple habits and you will get to enjoy their benefits for a long time. Remember, little efforts on a regular basis go a long way toward a confident and healthy smile.
