Avoid These Bad Habits to Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore your smile after tooth loss. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth—allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence again. However, while implants are incredibly durable, they’re not completely indestructible. To help your investment last for decades, it’s important to steer clear of certain habits that can damage your implants or surrounding gums over time.

Skipping Daily Oral Hygiene

Just because dental implants aren’t made of natural enamel doesn’t mean they don’t need cleaning. Skipping brushing and flossing can allow bacteria to build up around the gums and implant posts, leading to inflammation or infection known as peri-implantitis.

To keep your implants healthy, brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss or use an interdental cleaner to remove plaque around the implant base and between teeth. Consistent home care is key to preventing long-term issues.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

It might seem convenient to use your teeth to open a package, cut through tape, or hold onto something when your hands are full—but these small actions can cause big problems. Dental implants are strong, but excessive pressure or twisting can chip your restoration or loosen the implant over time.

Always use the right tools for the job. Keeping scissors or a small opener nearby can help you break this habit and protect both your implants and natural teeth from unnecessary stress.

Chewing on Hard Objects

Chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, fingernails, or hard candy is another habit that can put your implants at risk. These items can create tiny fractures in your crowns or exert too much pressure on the implant post, potentially leading to discomfort or damage.

If you find yourself chewing out of boredom or stress, try substituting sugar-free gum instead. It satisfies the urge to chew while stimulating saliva flow, which helps keep your mouth clean and refreshed.

Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

Smoking can have a serious impact on the success of dental implants. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, slowing healing and increasing the risk of infection or implant failure. Even after your implant has healed, tobacco use can contribute to gum recession and bone loss around the implant.

If you’re planning to get dental implants—or already have them—quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health. Your dentist can provide support and resources to help you make that positive change.

Ignoring Routine Dental Visits

Even with excellent home care, professional checkups are essential for maintaining your implants. Your dentist will monitor the stability of your implants, check for signs of gum inflammation, and clean hard-to-reach areas you might miss at home. Skipping visits can allow small issues to develop into bigger problems.

Most patients should visit their dentist every six months, but those with a history of gum disease may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Regular care helps ensure your implants remain strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.

Dental implants are a long-term investment in your smile, and taking good care of them pays off. By breaking these bad habits and maintaining strong oral hygiene, you can keep your implants looking and feeling their best for decades.

About the Practice

Rubal Dentistry in Azle specializes in advanced implant dentistry. Dr Frank Rubal and Dr. Jodie Rubal are dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the full benefits of a healthy, confident smile. We offer comprehensive dental implant care—from placement to maintenance—to guide your treatment throughout the lifetime of your implants.

Call us at (817) 444-2585 or request an appointment online.