How to Clean Around Dental Implants

Dental implants are the gold-standard in tooth replacement. A dental implant is a man-made, titanium post that acts as a tooth root for a crown or set of dentures. Unlike traditional dentures which are removed for daily soaking and cleaning, implants remain in the mouth at all times and should be diligently brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss

1. Apply toothpaste to toothbrush.

2. Align the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle along the gum line and rotate the brush in small circles along each tooth surface including the front, back and biting surfaces. The brush bristles should slide gently beneath the gum line. This process should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

4. Rinse your mouth by swishing with water.

5. Gently guide the floss between your teeth and slightly curve it around an individual tooth as if to hug the tooth with floss. Slide floss up-and-down along the surface of each tooth, including implants. Be sure to slide the floss under the gum line as well.

6. Visit your dentist annually for regularly scheduled cleanings and check-ups.

Tips & Warnings

• Brush at least twice a day for optimal tooth and implant health.
• Try substituting floss picks for traditional dental floss. These picks can be found at virtually any drugstore or supermarket. They are easier to use than traditional floss since they don't require you to wrap floss string around your fingers.
• Never use anything metal to clean your implants. Metal objects can scratch the implant's titanium surface and make it easier for harmful bacteria to infect the gum area surrounding the implant. Stick to plastic cleaning tools, instead.

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