Missing teeth have the potential to not only compromise the aesthetic of your smile, but to contribute to deterioration of your jawbone. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant can be an effective way to maintain the health and function of your smile in the future. Although dental implants are considered routine, they are surgical procedures that could put you at risk for infection.

Here are three things that you can do to help keep infection at bay following a dental implant surgery in the future.

1. Stick to soft foods.

One of the easiest things that you can do to try and avoid contracting an infection after receiving a dental implant is to stick to a diet of soft foods. Returning to your normal diet could put you at risk of agitating the surgical incisions created by your dentist when placing an implant.

If these incisions are opened up because of the foods you eat, bacteria could find its way into the incision and cause infection. Soft foods are less likely to compromise your incisions, helping you avoid the complications of an infection as your dental implant heals.

2. Take your medication.

Your dentist knows that there is a risk of infection after a dental implant, and he or she will likely prescribe you a course of antibiotics to take following your dental implant surgery to help keep infection at bay.

It's important that you take your medication as prescribed if you want to ensure your recovery process is a smooth one. Don't stop taking your antibiotics until they are gone, and stick to the dosage recommended by your dentist for maximum protection against infection.

3. Keep your mouth clean.

You might be tempted to skip your normal oral hygiene routine while healing from a dental implant because your gums may be tender. Although you don't want to brush vigorously (as this could cause your incisions to reopen), you do want to keep the area clean to prevent infection.

Ask your dentist to recommend a mild mouthwash that can be utilized to keep your teeth and gums clean without drying out your mouth. Rinsing regularly with a saltwater solution can also be beneficial in preventing infection.

Ensuring that you don't contract an infection after receiving a dental implant is important. Be sure that you stick to a diet of soft foods, that you take your antibiotics, and that you keep your mouth clean if you want to prevent infection after your next dental implant.

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