How To Keep Your Implants Healthy and Clean: A Guide to Brushing

Your dental implants should last the rest of your life if properly cared for. Although implants don’t decay or get cavities, brushing is important for maintaining good oral health. It removes plaque and bacteria from implant surfaces and helps to prevent infection. Additionally, brushing dental implants can help to reduce the chances of inflammation and gum disease. 

Overall, a good dental hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits, will help ensure that dental implants stay healthy and last a long time.

Keep Up With Good Oral Hygiene Habits to Keep Your Implants Looking Their Best

If you are considering getting dental implants, it’s important to understand the best ways to care for them. The following tips will help:

• Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dental implants.
• Gently brush the implant and surrounding gum area using a circular motion.
• Brush your implants for at least two minutes twice a day.
• Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste to help protect your implants from plaque and bacteria.
• Use a special interdental brush to clean around the implant abutment and any crevices that may be present.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
• Floss gently between the implant abutment and the surrounding gum tissue. You can also use a water flosser, a convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional flossing. This oral hygiene device uses a stream of pulsating water to clean between teeth and below the gum line. The flosser can help remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and is an effective way to clean and care for teeth, implants and gums. Water flossers come in various shapes and sizes; some are even cordless for portability.
• Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes or abrasive toothpaste that can damage the implant surface.
• Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your implants and implant sites are clean.
• If you experience any discomfort or pain when brushing your implants, speak to your dentist as soon as possible.

Invest In A Quality Toothbrush for the Best Results

A good quality toothbrush is essential for maintaining the health of dental implants. This is because they’re just as susceptible to bacteria buildup as natural teeth. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles will help remove plaque and food particles from the implant surface, preventing bacteria buildup. Additionally, using a toothbrush with a small head is important to ensure that all areas of the implant are reached, as plaque can easily accumulate in hard-to-reach places. 

Another good tip is to replace the toothbrush every three to four months. This is because bacteria can build up on the bristles over time. 

The Importance of Flossing

Flossing is an important part of taking care of dental implants. While implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they still need to be properly maintained to ensure their longevity. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque that can build up between the implant and the surrounding teeth.

Additionally, flossing can help keep your gums healthy, which is essential for maintaining your dental implants. By flossing regularly, you can help keep your implants in top condition and reduce the risk of complications.

Can I Brush My Implants Immediately After The Procedure?

Brushing the dental implant site immediately after the implant procedure is not recommended. The implant site needs time to heal; brushing too soon can disrupt the healing process and cause infection. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare and wait for the implant site to heal before brushing the area.

If this part of your mouth is too sore to brush, gently rinsing with warm salt water can help keep the area clean until it is ready for brushing.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your dental implants stay healthy and function properly.

What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your Dental Implants? 

If you don’t regularly brush your dental implants, you may experience a number of different problems. Plaque and bacteria can build up on the implant and around the gumline, leading to an increased risk of gum disease and infection. Poor oral hygiene may also cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

You may also be at risk of implant failure. Food particles can become trapped around the implant, leading to bone loss and infection. This can cause the implant to become loose, and it may eventually fall out. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to the buildup of calculus (a hardened form of plaque), which can further increase the risk of implant failure. If this happens, you might need additional surgical procedures.

Make Chesterfield Dentistry Your Number One Choice For Dental Implants

If you are considering dental implants and want to know how to take care of them, Chesterfield Dentistry is the place to go. Our experienced team of dentists and hygienists can help you understand the best way to look after your dental implants and make sure they last for years to come.

We also provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your implants function properly. Our team is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and helping you make the best decisions for your oral health. Contact us today to find out more.

Simply call us at (314) 936 3621 or make a booking online.

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