Patients who have just received or are about to receive their dental implants are often concerned with the required care for dental implants. Fortunately, the care is generally straightforward and doesn’t change from your typical oral hygiene routine. We have compiled a list of some of the most important tips in caring for your dental implants.

Brush Your Teeth

The tried and true method of brushing your teeth remains the most important factor in maintaining good oral health. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time is the standard recommendation from dentists. You should use a soft-bristled nylon brush to avoid scratching the surface of your implants and irritating the gum tissue.

Many patients also ask about what type of toothbrush to use for dental implants. Studies have been conducted on manual, electric, and sonic toothbrushes and there have been no significant differences between them. Instead, researchers find that the toothbrush that each patient uses should depend on their dexterity. Patients should pick a toothbrush they feel comfortable using.

Select a Toothpaste

The same general rules apply to select toothpaste for your implants as for typical oral health, with a few exceptions. Implants can be prone to scratches that damage the surface. Scratches may help to harbor some bacteria, but can also reduce the appearance of the implant, so it is important to select toothpaste that is safe for use with implants.

Typically, toothpaste that isn’t abrasive is usually the best. Additionally, you should avoid smoker’s toothpaste or toothpaste that contain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, baking soda, or stain removers. These materials have a potential to etch the surface of your implants.

Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes are designed to clean the spaces around implants and in hard to reach areas. Many of these brushes are created with a wire center. Unfortunately, this wire center can scratch and disfigure the surface of your implant, so be sure to avoid any interdental brushes that are made with wire. Many dentists believe that interdental brushes are important to use after you have received your implant to keep the area between your gums and the implant clean. This area can be more prone to infection for implant patients.

Flossing Your Implants

Just as you normally floss, you should continue to floss once daily to continue care for your implants. Dentists recommend that you use a floss tape and use a crisscross pattern around the implant, using a shoe-shine motion to thoroughly clean the area. This helps to remove any bacteria or debris from the base of the implant.

Additionally, the use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse and rubber tipped gum stimulators can also help keep the implant healthy.

Using Oral Irrigators

Dentists are more frequently recommending that patients use oral irrigators to keep the implant and teeth free from plaque or biofilm that can build up and cause inflammation or periodontal disease in the gums. If inflammation does appear, you can use a diluted, non-alcoholic antimicrobial mouth rinse to help clear up any infection.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits can help maintain the health of your implants and your natural teeth. You should visit your dentist once every six months so that they can catch issues while they are still small and easily treatable. Of course, if you notice any changes or have any concerns between your visits, schedule an appointment with our office immediately.

Call for More Implant Care Tips

Many patients who have received oral implants think that their routine is going to drastically change to adequately care for their implants. Fortunately, implants require the same kind of care as your natural teeth, unlike dentures. If you have any additional questions or concerns, call Vero Dental Spa today to learn more or schedule an appointment.