If you are missing one or more teeth, or if you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, then one option that your dentist might have suggested is having dental implants put in. Dental implants look and function much like your natural teeth and are a great alternative to dentures, but you do have to be careful not to scratch them if you want them to look their best. Luckily, following these tips can help you prevent scratching and can help your dental implants look their best for as long as possible.

1. Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste

Although abrasive toothpaste might work well for getting rid of stains on your natural teeth, the abrasive ingredients can be too harsh for your implants and can cause scratching. Therefore, you should look for a toothpaste that does not have any abrasive ingredients; for example, you should avoid toothpaste that has baking soda in it.

2. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Even if you have always preferred a toothbrush with harsher bristles, you should avoid this type of brush if you want to avoid damaging your implant. Harsher bristles can scratch your implants, so look for a toothbrush with much softer bristles. The good news is that a softer-bristled brush will be gentler on your gums as well.

3. Avoid Teeth Whitening Products

If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth and implants, you might be tempted to use an at-home teeth whitening product. Unfortunately, since dental implants are made from a different material than natural teeth, these products will not work to make your dental implants whiter. The ingredients in them, however, might cause scratching and damage. Therefore, if you are interested in having your teeth whitened, you will need to see a cosmetic dentist. Then, you can talk to him or her about your implant and can ensure that the whitening is done in a way that won't damage it.

4. Tell Your Dental Hygienist

Your dental hygienist will need to clean your natural teeth but should use a polish on your dental implant. If he or she does not know about your implant, however, there's a chance that the wrong cleaning material will be used, which can cause damage. Therefore, you should always make sure that your dental hygienist knows about your implant.

As you can see, there are things that you can do to help prevent from scratching your dental implants. Follow these four tips to keep your implants looking beautiful and scratch-free.

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