Dental implants provide dental patients with a reliable way to replace their missing teeth. Not only do these implants improve the appearance of your smile, but they also improve overall oral function. However, it is important that you provide these implants with adequate care. Without proper dental implant care, you may find yourself dealing with dental irritation.

At Bismarck Advanced Dental & Implants, we understand how crucial proper dental implant care is for the success of the prosthetic. If you have recently gotten dental implants and you want to ensure their success, keep reading to learn how to care for your new prosthetics. 

What are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are sophisticated dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth and restore your oral function and aesthetics. These implants consist of three main components—the implant fixture, abutment, and dental restoration. When installed properly, these implants are designed to mimic the natural structure and appearance of teeth.

The implant fixture, typically made of biocompatible titanium, is surgically inserted into your jawbone, where it fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. This fixture provides a stable foundation for the abutment, a connector piece that links the implant fixture to the dental restoration. The dental restoration, which may be a crown, bridge, or denture, is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of natural teeth.

Unlike traditional tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, dental implants are incredibly stable, durable, and functional. They allow patients to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about the prosthetic coming loose. They also help preserve bone density and prevent facial collapse, contributing to overall oral health and facial aesthetics.

Essential Tips for Dental Implant Care

If you choose to get them, it is incredibly important that you follow dental implant care tips closely to keep them looking their best. While dental implants cannot decay like your natural teeth, you are still susceptible to gum disease and irritation. Some of the most important dental implant care tips include:

Dental Implant Care Tip #1: Maintaining Excellent Oral Hygiene

Just like your natural teeth, your dental implants are susceptible to plaque buildup. If left unaddressed, this plaque buildup can lead to the development of gum disease and implant failure. If you choose to get dental implants, it is important that you adhere to a rigorous oral hygiene routine.

You should remember to brush your teeth and implants at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the implants. Once you’re done, don’t forget to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and maintain oral freshness. 

Dental Implant Care Tip #2: Choose Implant Friendly Products

When selecting oral care products, it is important that you opt for products that are specifically designed for dental implants. Using a non-abrasive toothpaste will help you avoid scratching the surface of your implants. You should also opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damage to the implant and irritation of the surrounding tissue. 

It might also be a good idea to invest in a water flosser or interdental brushes. These dental products make it easier to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas, including the area surrounding your implant. By investing in dental implant-friendly dental products, you can trust that your implants will look their best for years to come. 

Dental Implant Care Tip #3: Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

While it is important to attend regular dental, it is especially important when you get dental implants. If you have dental implants, these dental exams become even more important. Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations every six months will give them an opportunity to catch problems before they become more significant. 

At these appointments, you can also alert them to any problems you may be experiencing. When attending these regular dental check-ups, you may also undergo period X-rays to assess the integrity of the implants and surrounding bone structure. If you ever experience any problems with your implants, it is best to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible for support. 

Dental Implant Care Tip #4: Avoid Harmful Habits

While caring for your dental implants isn’t especially difficult, there are certain habits that can compromise the success of the implants and increase the risk of complications. Your dentist will inform you of these lifestyle changes beforehand, but it is important that you keep up with them to protect your investment.

First, you should avoid smoking, as it can impair healing, increase the risk of infection, and contribute to implant failure. Second, you should refrain from chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails. These hard objects can damage the implant or cause it to become loose. Finally, steer clear of hard or sticky foods that could break or dislodge the implant. 

Dental Implant Care Tip #5: Be Mindful of Clenching and Grinding

Just like clenching and grinding are harmful to your natural teeth, these behaviors may also be incredibly damaging to your dental implants. Whether you have a long history of clenching and grinding or this is a habit you just picked up, it is important that you discuss it with your dentist as soon as possible. 

There are a few ways that your dentist can help you address your grinding and clenching. They may recommend that you wear a nightguard to protect your teeth from damage while you sleep. They may also recommend relaxation techniques to help you address underlying problems that may result in these behaviors. 

Dental Implant Care from Bismarck Advanced Dental

Whether you’ve had dental implants for years or you are just beginning to make the transition, it is important to work with a reliable dental team like our team at Bismarck Advanced Dental & Implants. When you work with a reliable dental team, you can ensure proper dental implant care from the moment they are installed.

With years of experience helping patients across the Bismarck, ND, area achieve their brightest smile, we’re confident that we can do the same for you. From dental implants and veneers to dentures and more, we provide a variety of services to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. If you would like to learn more about dental implant care or schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Maintaining good oral health can be a challenge in itself, but it can be even more challenging if your gums bleed. Bleeding gums can occur for several reasons, which are commonly shown through things like plaque accumulation, detachment of gums to the teeth, and inflammation of the gums. These effects often come from the absence of flossing so gums bleed more when you actually do floss.

In this blog, we will talk about five reasons why gums bleed when you floss and ways to get your gums in healthy condition.

1. Accumulation of Plaque

Flossing is an effective way to remove plaque that accumulates along the gum line and in between teeth. If plaque is left untreated, it can eventually harden into tartar, which can inflame and irritate the gums. The inflamed gums in combination with the friction from the dental floss can lead to bleeding. This bleeding is often the first sign of potential gum disease.

2. Inflammation

Inflammation of the gums is the immune system’s response to plaque and tartar buildup along the gum lines. These inflammatory responses can lead to swollen, red, and tender gums. When pressure is applied to the gums through a toothbrush or floss, the inflamed gum tissue is likely to bleed and experience pain.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a more developed health condition of gum inflammation when oral hygiene practices are neglected. Gum disease is an infection that affects the structures of the teeth, including gums, ligaments, and bones. This disease develops in stages and when treated early, it can be reversed. If left untreated, inflamed gums can progress into periodontitis, which can lead to permanent gum damage. This damage may also lead to necessary dental treatments to relieve pain or even replace teeth with damaged roots.

4. Gum Attachment

Another reason why gums may bleed from when flossing is that the gums detach from the teeth over time. There should be a small and shallow v-shaped crevice along the gum lines, with the gums fitting snugly around each tooth. When gum disease is present, pockets form along the gumline due to the inflammation detaching the gums from the teeth.

As the gums weaken and the detachment of the gums increase, cleaning the teeth and mouth effectively can become difficult. Brushing alone cannot usually clean the crevices well, which is where flossing becomes important. The floss can reach the plaque and bacteria that buildup in the crevices. The gums are usually sensitive if they are more detached, so flossing may cause irritation and bleeding. 

5. Poor Oral Health Habits

Having poor oral health habits can significantly contribute to bleeding gums if you floss after not flossing for a while. Simply brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash daily can help you maintain good oral health.

Brushing and flossing can help remove plaque that can lead to bleeding gums. Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent the issue from progressing and becoming painful. While a little bleeding while flossing is normal, frequent and large amounts of blood are a sure sign that you should visit a dentist to help control the situation. Dentists and hygienists provide professional cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar, along with providing instructions on how to improve your oral hygiene.

How to Care For Gums

While it can be intimidating to see blood coming from your gums, the good news is that gum issues can usually be resolved and even reversed. As mentioned before, regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing can drastically improve the status of your gums. 

Improve Habits if Your Gums Bleed

Easy improvements in your oral care routine can lessen problems in the mouth. If your gums are bleeding when you brush, you might consider using a soft bristle brush, or being more gentle when you brush. You can also use an anti gingivitis toothpaste, which is designed specifically for sensitive gums.

Simply flossing everyday can also lower your risk of your gums bleeding when you floss, as your gums will become more acclimated to the floss. You should also make sure you are flossing correctly and not too abrasive. 

Visit a Dentist

Visiting a dentist regularly is very important in maintaining good oral health and addressing any issues. Dental cleanings can effectively remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup that is difficult to reach on your own. The thorough cleaning provided at a dental office can help reduce the amount of inflammation of the mouth and thus avoid bleeding of the gums.

Dentists are highly trained to diagnose and treat gum issues like gingivitis and periodontitis. For those who may have these diseases or see the early signs of them, a dentist can provide appropriate treatments to resolve major issues and manage the condition. In some more serious cases, more invasive procedures may be necessary to preserve the condition of your teeth.

Schedule an appointment with Bismarck Dental today to get started on improving your oral health.

In recent years, vaping has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional smoking. Vaping involves inhaling aerosolized liquid from an electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cig or vape device. This liquid typically contains nicotine and flavorings, among other chemicals. Proponents of vaping claim it’s safer than smoking, but as the vaping trend continues to grow, it is important to understand the associated health risks, including the effect vaping can have on oral health. 

At Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants, we believe in providing our patients with all the information they need to make well-informed decisions about their oral health, so in this blog post, we will go over the risks associated with vaping and the impact this habit can have on oral health.

#1. Nicotine Addiction and Its Effects

Nicotine, no matter its form, is a highly addictive substance that has many detrimental effects on overall wellness, including oral health. It narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gums. Because of the diminished blood flow, the gums’ ability to fight off infection and heal themselves is impaired. This increases the risk of issues like gum disease.

Additionally, nicotine can lead to a condition called bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, leading to cracked teeth and causing sensitivity and pain. Combined with the acidic components of vape liquids, e-cigarettes are a major cause of oral health problems.

#2. Dry Mouth

Another significant oral health concern associated with vaping is its potential to cause dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay. It helps neutralize acids in the mouth in addition to washing away bacteria, plaque, and food particles. The chemicals in e-liquids can inhibit saliva production, increasing the risk for numerous oral health issues, including cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

#3. Tooth Decay and Erosion

E-liquids often contain acidic substances such as citric acid that can weaken tooth enamel over time. As tooth enamel erodes, it becomes more susceptible to decay and cavities. Plus, vaping can stain the surface of the teeth, similar to traditional smoking. This combination of tooth decay, enamel erosion, and staining can result in a less appealing smile.

#4. Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition characterized by inflammation and infection of both the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Patients with gum disease experience bleeding, sore gums, along with gum recession and loose teeth. If left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss. 

Vaping is associated with an increased risk of gum disease. The chemicals found in e-liquids can irritate gum tissue, making the gums more susceptible to infection and inflammation. Additionally, dry mouth can further exacerbate gum disease — without saliva’s protection, irritation is much more likely.

#5. Oral Lesions

People who vape are also more likely to experience oral lesions. Vape devices generate heat, which can cause burns or thermal injuries to the tongue, gums, cheeks, or roof of the mouth. Additionally, some people may have allergic reactions to some of the substances found in e-liquids, resulting in painful ulcers or lesions.

#6. Bad Breath and Altered Taste

Lastly, vaping can contribute to bad breath, also known as halitosis. Dry mouth, which is common among people who vape, inhibits the mouth’s ability to cleanse itself, allowing odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Furthermore, because e-liquids can leave a bad taste in the mouth, it can inhibit the ability to perceive flavors properly.

Preventing Oral Health Issues Associated With Vaping

It’s best to stay away from vaping, but if you do vape, there are steps you can take to protect your oral health, including:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss daily. Regular cleanings and check-ups at the dentist’s office can help you monitor and address any potential issues.
• Staying hydrated: Because vaping often causes dry mouth, it’s important to drink plenty of water to promote saliva production.
• Trying nicotine alternatives: You may want to consider nicotine alternatives that don’t involve inhaling harmful chemicals.
• Limiting vaping: Vaping’s addictive nature can make it hard to reduce your use or quit entirely, so consider getting some help to make the process easier. Reducing or quitting vaping will improve your oral health and increase your overall level of well-being.
• Consulting a dentist: If you experience any oral health complications related to vaping, make sure you seek professional dental care.

Take Care of Your Oral Health at Bismarck Advanced Dental

At Bismarck Advanced Dental, we offer a wide range of dental services. Whatever you need, whether it’s implants or a simple cleaning, we can help get your oral health back on track. Schedule an appointment with us today!