The chances of a properly performed dental implant restoration becoming infected, are low. Nevertheless, since the consequences can be rather painful, prevention is essential. Here are five things you can do to prevent an infection from starting.

Refrain from all tobacco use

This may be difficult for hardened tobacco users, but it is the single highest source of unnecessary bacteria in your mouth and smoking actually kills helpful bacteria. The best advice is to stop your tobacco use before the implant restoration.

However, if you have found it difficult to stop on your own, ask your dental physician for suggestions. Dentists and dental hygienist, regularly deal with the adverse effects of tobacco use so they will be able to steer you towards some helpful ways to reduce, or even stop your use of tobacco products altogether.

Refrain from hard foods

Eating crunchy, or food that is difficult to chew adds excessive pressure to the dental implants. Even if you only had implant restoration on one side still avoid hard to chew food because chewing itself puts a strain on all the muscles of the mouth area.

Chewing hard food in one spot can still apply stress to the teeth involved in the restoration. Stick to softer foods, or easily drinkable liquid supplements for the first 2-weeks following your implant restoration.

Dental Hygiene

You need to be extra attentive to your dental hygiene immediately after having a dental implant restoration procedure. Although you may feel your dental practices have been good before, you can always do better. To help keep the area free of infection causing bacteria, clean your mouth as prescribed by your dentist after every meal.

Since food particles automatically generate enzymes in your mouth, you should actually use a quick rinse after everything you consume, other than clean water. Better to be on the safe side when it comes to the frequency of your dental hygiene.

Saltwater Rinse

Make sure you do not rinse your mouth for at least 24-hours after the restoration, but then commence a strict schedule of saltwater rinsing. Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water. For your protection, it is best to use distilled water.

Using a microwave safe glass, heat the water for a few seconds until it is slightly warm, or tepid. Add the salt and stir until dissolved. Do this at least 4 times per day, spaced out 3 to 4 hours apart.

You can do more than four saltwater rinsing treatments in a day. This is a good way to help eliminate harmful bacteria if you have an intermittent snack between meals.

Medication

Your dentist will write you a prescription for an antibiotic to help prevent infection. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by the dentist.

There is a reason for the exact antibiotic dose that is prescribed for dental implant restorations. The dose is precisely measured to help prevent an infection and aid in the healing process. Take the medication according to the instructions and for as long as you are told to take it.

To help prevent an infection after a dental implant restoration, follow your dentist's directions to the letter. If you haven't already, kick the tobacco habit, plus eat only soft foods for the first couple of weeks.

Keep your mouth clean and take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed. You're on your way to a new and fantastic smile, so take care to keep that smile infection free. Click here to read more.