In this article
Keeping clean dental implants is one of the keys for our oral health. As for benefits, regular cleaning prevents plaque buildup, gum disease, and implant failure, so your face will have a confident smile.
But professional cleaning at a dental clinic can cost between $100 to $300 per session. So is it possible to do it at home? Bingo!
With proper care using soft-bristled toothbrushes, non-abrasive toothpaste, floss, interdental brushes, water flossers, and antimicrobial mouthwash, your dental implants can remain clean even at home. Review the types of dental implant will help you know about it.
What's needed:
-
Soft-bristled toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with gentle bristles. Are soft toothbrushes good for dental health?
-
Non-abrasive toothpaste: Opt for toothpaste that is formulated for implants or sensitive teeth.
-
Dental floss: Use either traditional floss or specialized implant floss to clean between the implant and adjacent teeth.
-
Interdental brushes or water flossers: These tools are useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas around the implant and underneath bridgework.
-
Antimicrobial mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
How to clean your dental implants
Now, learn from the 4-step tutorial on cleaning dental implants.
Step 1. Brush
Brush your dental implants and surrounding gum tissue 2 times a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Use small, circular motions and be thorough yet gentle.
Step 2. Floss
You need to floss between your dental implants and adjacent teeth using traditional floss or specialized implant floss. Be sure to reach all sides of the implant and remove any food particles or plaque buildup.
Step 3. Clean
Try to take advantage of interdental brushes or water flossers to clean around the implant and underneath bridgework where traditional floss may not reach.
Step 4. Rinse
Congrats! End this routine by rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30-60 seconds to help promote a healthy oral environment.
FAQ
Q1: How often should dental implants be cleaned?
It should be cleaned at least 2 times a day, just like natural teeth. This routine helps prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and implant failure.
Q2: What dissolves plaque on dental implants?
While regular brushing and flossing are the most effective ways to remove plaque from dental implants, certain dental products may help dissolve plaque buildup.
Mouthwashes containing antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine or essential oils can help reduce plaque and bacteria around implants.
Some may recommend using plaque-disclosing tablets to identify areas of plaque accumulation for more thorough cleaning.
Q3: Are dental implants hard to keep clean?
Based on my experiences, it's not difficult to clean. With proper habits-brushing, flossing, and rinsing, you can clean the dental implants and maintain longevity. You to be gentle around the implant area to avoid surrounding gum tissue.
Q4: Does food get under all on 4 implants?
All-on-4 dental implants, which replace an entire arch of teeth using only four implants, are designed to minimize the risk of food accumulation underneath the prosthesis. Good particles can still become trapped between the implants and the gums or underneath the prosthetic teeth.
Q5: How do I keep my dental implants from getting infected?
-
You at least need to maintain good oral hygiene practices.
-
You can attend regular dental check-ups allows your dentist to monitor the health of your implants.
-
If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pain around the implant site, contact your dentist promptly.