Dental implants look and act like synthetic teeth. While they may not decay in the same way as natural teeth, it is still vitally important to keep them clean. In reality, your dental hygiene routine before and after dental implants will be virtually the same with minor alterations. Here are some tips for keeping implants clean.

Tips for Keeping Implants Clean

Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day helps to prevent staining and keeps the gums and surrounding tissues healthy. With a strong oral hygiene routine you can ensure that your dental implant is healthy and secure for many years to come. Here are some of our top tips for making that goal into a reality. 

Use A Soft Bristled Brush

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are always a good idea. They’re gentle on your gums and your enamel, while doing a great job at removing bacteria and cleaning near the gumline. For the best effect, make sure you’re brushing correctly. 

To brush correctly, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently move the brush back and forth. A circular motion is sometimes used to ensure full coverage of your tooth’s surface. With this method, you should not experience irritation or porcelain abrasion. 

Check On Your Toothpaste

Porcelain and other materials used to make dental implants can be sensitive to abrasive materials like baking soda. To keep your dental implant looking pristine, you’ll want to use a gentle toothpaste that doesn’t include abrasive ingredients. 

If you aren’t sure whether or not your regular toothpaste will work, just ask your periodontist in Los Angeles. They will be able to make clear-cut recommendations for a dental implant-friendly toothpaste if it turns out your current toothpaste is a little too harsh. 

Use A Floss Threader

Flossing around a dental implant can be challenging. Most experts suggest avoiding traditional floss because it is easy for fragments to become stuck underneath the crown of your dental implant. Alternatives to traditional floss include water flossing and interdental brushes, but the gold standard is a floss threader. 

Floss threaders are made from plastic, so you’re unlikely to get fragments stuck underneath the crown. They also offer superior precision in comparison to water flossing and interdental brushes. However, as flossing around a dental implant can be a little different, we do suggest asking for a demonstration when you get your dental implants in Los Angeles.

Incorporate Mouthwash

Using mouthwash once per day is actually a dental hygiene practice that we should all be doing. Although it is possible for you to practice good dental hygiene without it, mouthwash can help to make up for small areas you may have missed. Given the design of a dental implant and its direct connection to the jawbone, wiping out stray bacteria is extra important. 

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

When it comes to your oral health, your dentist is your best defense. By going in for a routine cleaning and check-up every six months, you’re far more likely to catch potential issues before they become serious. 

These bi-annual check-ups are even more important when you have a dental implant. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actively prevents bone loss, but the implant has to be well-maintained for those benefits to hold. 

Learning to Care for Dental Implants

Dental implants replicate natural teeth in almost every way, so caring for them is very similar. With that said the relationship between the crown and gum is artificial, making dental implants vulnerable in some cases. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to keep your mouth happy and healthy as long as you listen to your dentist and follow your routine every day.