Dental Implant Hygiene

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August 10, 2023

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November 28, 2023

Published by Remedy on November 21, 2023

Firstly, let’s talk about some daily oral care you should be engaging in to keep your dental implants looking and feeling their best!

1. Brushing:

Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush set to a mild setting.
Brush your teeth twice a day, including the implant.
To avoid scratching the implant surface, use a fluoride toothpaste with a low abrasiveness.

2. Flossing:

Floss everyday to keep the space between your teeth and around the implant clean.
To avoid injuring the surrounding gum tissue, be gentle.

3. Antimicrobial Mouthwash:

To decrease bacteria, rinse with an antibacterial, non-alcoholic mouthwash, such as Listerine.

If you’d like to go the extra mile in terms of your dental implant hygiene, there are a few products we recommend investing in.

1. Proximal Brushes:

Use interdental brushes to clean surrounding the implant, particularly where the implant crown meets the gum. These brushes aid in the removal of plaque and dirt from difficult-to-reach locations.

2. Water Flosser:

Use a water flosser to supplement your dental hygiene practice. Water flossers are useful for cleaning plaque and debris from around dental implants. However, these are not a replacement for regular flossing. You must also floss to physically remove other debris.

Not only do you have to do your part at home, but we need to stay involved in your implant’s care, as well!

1. Regular Dental Check-ups:

Schedule regular dental check-ups, usually every six months or as recommended. We will check the implant and evaluate the surrounding tissues.

2. Professional Cleanings:

Dental hygienists are trained to clean regions around implants that are difficult to access at home. Every 4-6 months, professional cleanings help minimize plaque and calculus buildup, lowering the risk of peri-implantitis (inflammation surrounding the implant).

We have some special tips to share with you to avoid any mishaps when it comes to your dental implants. Keep these in mind!

1. Avoid Abrasive Products:

Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, which may harm the surface of the implant.
Look for goods that have the American Dental Association (ADA) mark of approval.

2. Avoid Tobacco and Nicotine Products:

Smoking increases the chance of implant failure and complications.
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products is good for your dental and general health.

3. Protect Against Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):

Let us know if you are one to grind your teeth. We may advise you to wear a nightguard to protect your implants and natural teeth from trauma.

4. Healthy Lifestyle:

Eat a well-balanced diet for general health, including the gums and bone that support the implant. Reduce sugar intake and simple carbohydrates.

5. Monitor Changes:

Keep an eye out for any indicators of trouble, such as swelling, redness, bleeding, or soreness surrounding the implant.
Inform us of any changes as soon as possible.

Question: What is the proper way to brush my dental implants?

Answer: Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush set to the mild setting. Brush your teeth, including the implant, in a circular motion at a 45-degree angle. Take note of the gumline, implant crown, and neighboring teeth.

Question: Is flossing necessary for dental implants, and how should I go about doing it?

Answer: Yes, flossing every morning and evening is essential. To clean between your teeth and around the implant, use dental floss or interdental brushes made for implants. Gently massage the floss or brush up and down the gap between the implant and neighboring teeth to remove plaque and debris. Be careful not to harm the gum tissue.

Question: Is it necessary to use specific brushes for dental implants? If so, how do I use them?

Answer: Interdental brushes should be used to clean around dental implants. Choose brushes that are sized to accommodate the gaps between your teeth and the implant. To clean efficiently, gently enter the brush into these areas and move it back and forth. These brushes are especially excellent for eliminating plaque from locations that ordinary toothbrushes may find difficult to reach.

We realize you may still have some questions regarding your dental implants. Whatever those questions may be, we are here to help!

Question: Is there a special mouthwash I should use with dental implants?

Answer: Use an antibacterial, non-alcoholic mouthwash that we advise, such as Listerine. Rinse as directed by the product to help eliminate germs and promote dental health around the implants.

Question: How often should I have my dental implants professionally cleaned?

Answer: Visit us every six months for routine dental check-ups and every 4-6 months for cleanings. Professional cleanings are necessary for eliminating plaque and calculus from locations that may be difficult to clean at home, as well as monitoring the general health of your implants.

Question: What symptoms should I look out for that can suggest a problem with my dental implants?

Answer: Keep an eye out for symptoms including swelling, redness, bleeding, pain, or changes in the look of the gum tissue around the implant. Furthermore, if you have recurrent foul breath or detect a change in the fit of your bite, you should see us as soon as possible.

We hope these guidelines were able to help! If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us, and we’d be happy to assist you. Regular communication ensures that your implant hygiene routine is tailored to your individual needs.

Remedy

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