3 Unusual Things That Can Harm Your Dental Implants

If you have been considering dental implants as an alternative to dentures, you'll need to be prepared for repeated dental appointments, as the procedure needs to be done in multiple steps. While it may take more time for your implant procedure to be completed, the results can be dramatic and life-changing. To keep your implants looking their best and to avoid surface damage, there a number of simple lifestyle modifications that you should consider. Here are three unusual things that can hurt your dental implants, and what you can do about them:

Liquid Vitamin And Mineral Supplements

If your physician has told you that you are anemic or have another nutritional deficiency, you may have been prescribed liquid vitamin and mineral supplements. Liquid preparations may be better absorbed than tablets or capsules, however, the iron, or ferrous sulfate content in the liquid supplement may lead to dental staining.

While implants and other dental restorations such as crowns and bridges are generally more resistant to stains and damage, they still can happen. If you take a liquid vitamin supplement, drink it through a straw. When you drink through a straw, the liquid is less likely to make contact with your dental implants, and therefore, less likely to stain the surface. While most vitamin supplements can be diluted in water, check with your physician before doing so to make sure the potency or absorbency is not being affected. 

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is another thing that can potentially harm the surface of your dental implants. GERD causes irritating stomach acid to migrate up into your upper digestive tract, and in severe cases, the acid can reach the back of your throat and into your mouth, making contact with your implants.

While dental implants may be more resistant to the effects of gastric acid, their surface can still be compromised by acid erosion. If you suffer from GERD, avoid trigger foods such as chocolate, peppermint, garlic, citrus fruits, and coffee.

Also, sleep with the head of your bed elevated so that acid stays down, and try to keep a healthy weight. In addition, take your prescribed GERD medications, limit smoking and alcohol consumption, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to help dilute stomach acid.

Salivary Gland Dysfunction

If you have an autoimmune disorder, you may develop problems with your salivary glands. When this happens, adequate flow of saliva may be compromised, and because of this, you may develop an extremely dry mouth.

Saliva helps wash away bacteria in your mouth, and when bacteria is allowed to build up in the oral cavity, you are at greater risk for gingivitis. Severe gum disease can destroy the bones that hold your natural teeth and dental implants in place, raising the risk for loosening of the posts and displacement. If you experience a dry mouth as a result of salivary gland dysfunction or from medications, talk to your dentist about prescribing a moisturizing oral rinse that will help lubricate your mouth. 

If you have dental implants and take liquid vitamin supplements, have GERD, or experience frequent dry mouth, work with both your physician and dentist like Kenneth Schweizer DDS PA. By developing an effective treatment plan to manage your conditions, you will be taking steps to extend the life and quality of your dental implants. 

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