I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
If you have lost one of your permanent teeth at some point, then you may decide that a replacement is best for aesthetics and functionality. A permanent and sturdy replacement can be garnered when a dental implant is secured in the jaw. This implant can last your entire life and surgical success rates are above 93% in most cases. However, some complications can occur after the implant is set in the jaw that may require its removal. Peri-implantitis is one of these complications. This condition occurs when the tissues around the dental implant become inflamed and infected. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented. Consider the following tips to keep peri-implantitis from affecting your newly secured dental implant.
Clean the Mouth Properly
The bacteria in the mouth that cause peri-implantitis inflammation are the same as the microorganisms that cause gum disease or gingivitis to form. This means that these bacteria can easily move from a gingivitis infected area to your dental implant surgical site. When this happens, the bacteria will cause the gums to swell. This often allows small openings or pockets to form around the dental implant. Bacteria can then move closer to the implant where bone cells are starting to develop around the titanium root. The bacteria can disrupt the strength and the formation of these cells and this will make the root of the implant weak. Removal of the root and the placement of a new device may be required if this happens during the initial osseointegration or implant healing period.
To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean the mouth two times a day like you normally would. Use devices like water pics and proxabrushes that help to clear out debris close to the gum line. Pay close attention to any gum pockets that appear around the sides of the dental implant. If you notice the gums pulling away from the implant or if you see that the gums appear loose, then purchase a pocket cleaning tip for your water pic tool. This type of tip is a small rubber device that allows you to rinse gum pockets with a small stream of low pressure water. This will help to clear away bacteria and food without damaging the delicate tissues around the dental implant.
Treat Gingivitis
You also should treat gingivitis thoroughly and quickly if you see any signs of the disease in the mouth. The best way to do this is to schedule a cleaning with your dentist to get rid of the tartar and plaque that feed the gingivitis causing bacteria. Afterwards, make sure to use a mouthwash that will get rid of the bacteria in the mouth. Look for a product that contains ingredients that kill bacteria and also prevent new bacteria from developing. Think about using this rinse three times a day to treat gingivitis.
Eat Well
It is absolutely essential that you eat a proper diet after your dental implant is secured to prevent complication like peri-implantitis. This is especially true during the initial osseointegration process. Osseointegration is when bone cells form and attach to the dental implant root, and it takes at least three months for the cells to develop. Unfortunately, if these cells are not built around the implant root in a dense manner, then small holes may be seen across the tissues. This may leave spaces where bacteria can cause inflammation and infection issues. To help your body develop dense bone tissues, make sure to eat foods that are high in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K. Calcium and vitamin D rich foods include dairy items and broccoli. You can find magnesium in foods like kale, brazil nuts, and tuna, and vitamin K can be located in kale, spinach, broccoli, and brussel sprouts.
A good diet can help to build strong bones for proper osseointegration and it can also assist with keeping the immune system in good shape. This is a good idea to prevent gingivitis before it starts and to also help your body fight off the bacteria that may have taken hold around the implant already. Vitamin C and Vitamin A can both keep your immune system strong. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach contain vitamin C, and sweet potatoes, carrots, and fish contain vitamin A.
For more information, contact a practice like Oral Surgery Center.
Share10 December 2015
