You probably heard already that dental implants can't get cavities. While that's true, a lack of proper hygiene can still affect your implants. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate around the implant and lead to inflammation and infection. If left untreated, this can turn into peri-implantitis, a condition that attacks the gums and bone supporting the implant. Without healthy gum and bone tissue, the implant is more likely to fail.
How can you make sure that your implant will last for as long as possible?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Tips for Cleaning Your Dental Implants
Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your implants.
- Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and implants.
- Consider using an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach areas around your implants.
- Go to regular dental check-ups so that your dentist can detect any potential issues with your dental implants early and provide treatment to prevent more severe problems.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods as they can damage your dental implants.
How to Clean All-on-4 Implants
If you have more than one missing tooth and have restored your smile with All-on-4 dental implants, you need to know that they must be cleaned and maintained properly to ensure their longevity and your oral health. Here's how you can clean your All-on-4 dental implants:
- Like regular teeth or single dental implants, brush your All-on-4 implants twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay close attention to the area where the implant meets the gum line.
- Use interdental brushes as they are specifically designed to clean around bridges, implants, and braces.
- A water flosser, or oral irrigator, can also help you clean your all-on-4 implants better. This is a device that uses a pressurized stream of water to remove food particles and bacteria from around the dental implants and beneath the gum line. This is especially important for All-on-4 implants because the design of the prosthesis can make flossing more difficult.
- Go to professional cleanings every six months (or more if recommended by your dentist). During these appointments, your dentist will use special instruments designed for cleaning around dental implants.
Get More Personalized Tips from Commerce Village Dentists
The team at Commerce Village Dentists can help you understand how to best care for your implants. They can provide personalized tips that will ensure lasting results.
Are you located in Commerce Township and are interested in dental implants? Come in for a consultation and let's find out if this is the right treatment for you.
Get in touch with us online or call us at (248) 363-5388 to book your appointment with one of our amazing dentists.
