Full arch treatments are an increasingly popular choice for people looking to restore their smiles and improve their oral health. Whether you’ve just had a full arch treatment, or are considering one in the future, it’s essential to understand how to properly care for your teeth after the procedure.
Here, we will outline some key points of importance when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene following a full arch treatment with the help of dental professionals at Temecula Center for Wisdom Teeth and Dental Implants.
Why is Hygiene Important After a Full Arch Treatment?
Hygiene plays an essential role in the success of any dental treatment, as it helps to ensure a healthy and comfortable recovery. Good oral hygiene practices help prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque, which can cause infection and inflammation.
Poor oral hygiene may also lead to complications with implants or crowns that are placed during a full arch treatment. Additionally, good hygiene habits can help preserve the longevity of your new smile and reduce costly dental bills in the future. Following the recommended guidelines will help promote a healthier mouth and stronger teeth throughout your lifetime.
Immediately After Your Procedure
Right after your full arch treatment is finished, there are certain things you should do in order to maintain proper dental hygiene:
- Avoid eating hard foods like candy or nuts. Stick with soft foods that can easily be mashed up and eaten without putting too much pressure on your newly augmented teeth.
- Make sure you practice gentle brushing and flossing techniques. Since your teeth may still be tender right after the procedure, make sure you avoid an electric toothbrush in the first few days and use an extra soft toothbrush instead and be gentle when brushing.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks. While it’s difficult to get a cavity on your new teeth, the surrounding tissue can be negatively affected by too much sugar.
- Avoid overly hot drinks. Drinks that are too hot are not the best choice for your fresh set of teeth. When drinking your coffee or tea, make sure they’re warm and not hot.
- Clean any food particles from between your new teeth by using interdental brushes or floss picks made specifically for post-treatment cleaning.
- Be aware of any potential side effects such as sensitivity or discomfort which may occur during this time. If these symptoms persist, consult with your dentist right away as it could be a sign of infection or other issues that need to be addressed quickly.
Long-Term Hygiene Practices
Once you’ve gotten past the initial post-procedure period, there are several long-term practices that you should keep in mind in order to ensure good oral care:
- Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (ideally once in the morning and once before bed) and floss daily.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups at least twice a year – this will help keep complications at bay and allow them to check for any potential problems that have arisen since your last visit.
- Avoid risky over-the-counter products. Whitening products contain strong chemicals that are not suitable for your full arch. It’s best to avoid using anything that’s not explicitly recommended by your dentist.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco products – these substances can cause serious harm not only to natural teeth but also to restored ones so it’s best avoided altogether when possible.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential after undergoing a full arch treatment. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply following these guidelines will help ensure that you maintain your new set of teeth long into the future. If you ever have any questions about how best to care for your newly renovated smile, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted dentist for advice.