If you are about to get dental implants, you may be looking forward to once again being able to chew normally on both sides of your mouth instead of one, smile without showing any gaps, and so on. However, once the implants are in, there will still be some things you shouldn't do if you want to keep your mouth healthy and ensure the implants work out well. Never fear, though -- these are things that, if you don't do them, will help you keep those implants in great shape.

Eat Lots of Sugary Treats

Just because implants aren't real teeth doesn't mean you can go to town with sugary food. The implants themselves might not be subject to decay, but the gums around them are still subject to gum disease, and any real teeth left in your mouth are still at risk of decay. You can certainly eat sugary foods if your health permits, but in moderation and with a proper oral care routine in place.

Avoid Brushing and Flossing

Speaking of proper oral care routines, even if you don't eat lots of sugary foods, you still need to brush and floss regularly if you have dental implants. Plaque and general crud can still build up on the implanted tooth, making the tooth look horrible. The gums around the implanted tooth, as mentioned before, are still at risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis.

Chew Hard Candies and Ice Cubes

Chewing on very hard items, like ice cubes, can leave microscopic cracks in your teeth that lead to sensitivity and that are potential spots for future decay. Implants are not invincible, and they can crack too. Replacing them is not always easy, especially if the caps are cemented in.

If you have a habit of chewing on anything you put in your mouth, try to switch out ice cubes with crushed ice (the smaller granules will be much easier on your teeth). Try using sugarless gum instead of hard candies. Also see your dentist twice a year religiously so that you can have the implant inspected and any spots of damage fixed before they get too bad and cause the implant to fail.

Getting dental implants is a positive step that lets you have a full smile and the ability to chew normally. They do require good care, though, so if you have any other questions about what to avoid and what to do to keep the implants in great shape, contact your dentist or visit www.hcdentistry.com/.