So you’ve finally made the decision to get dental implants. Now it’s time to take care of them. Much of your routine will remain the same. Just as with natural teeth, infection is the enemy. Failure to protect your mouth from infection result in costly repair or complications such as bone loss, which is irrevocable
To best care for your dental implants, you have to care for your mouth. What this means is maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing twice a day, and choosing the correct tools to clean your mouth.
Toothpaste
With dental implants, not all toothpaste is created equal. Stay away from abrasive toothpastes that “whiten” or “brighten,” as these could scratch implant surfaces such as exposed threads.
You’ll also want to avoid toothpaste with stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or other “stain removers.” Implants have an oxide layer which make the titanium surface anti-corrosive, but products containing some of these components have been known to damage or completely remove the oxide layer.
Floss
Unwaxed tape is always recommended for floss. However, technique is much more important. The best way to floss an implant is by inserting the floss contacts on both side of the implant, wrapping it in a crisscross pattern, and maneuvering the floss in a shoe-shine motion. Doing this twice a day will fight against infection and periodontal disease.
Water Flossers
Oral irrigators or “water flossers” use a stream of water to remove plaque. Because of their effectiveness in cleaning below the gum line, the trouble spot for most implants, they can improve the health of your implants. Studies have shown that water flossers can be up to 50% more effective than traditional floss in reducing gum disease.
Along with choosing the right materials for oral hygiene, scheduling regular checkups and cleanings are incredibly important. Your dentist can also provide you with additional information, including an action plan for keeping your mouth safe.
If you are considering dental implants or if you have dental implants and want to be proactive about caring for your implants and yourself, please call (914) 526-2144 today for an appointment with a Westchester County dental implant dentist at Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake.
