Although dental implants do not require the same level of maintenance as traditional dentures, they do need ample attention and care to ensure their longevity. Adopting proper brushing habits and developing proven techniques when flossing dental implants is imperative to minimize the potential for bad oral bacteria and implant failure. To make sure you keep your new prosthetics looking and feeling their best for as long as possible, consider these tips to help you clean between your teeth safely and effectively.
Why Flossing is Necessary
No matter if you have dental implants or not, flossing is an essential component of good oral hygiene. Using waxed dental floss or a water irrigator to eliminate bad oral bacteria and plaque between teeth is necessary to minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Because these small crevices can be hard to reach, it is important that proper techniques are used to carefully clean these areas so that existing structures remain damage-free, but bacteria is thoroughly removed.
When flossing is neglected, gum inflammation, bleeding, and dental caries can form, resulting in the need for restorative dentistry that can be timely and costly.
How to Properly Floss Dental Implants
When living with dental implants, some patients might feel as if oral hygiene is no longer as big of an issue, especially since these teeth are not “real.” However, that is simply not true. Instead, individuals should expect to adopt optimal dental habits, as gum disease and decay (on real teeth) remains a true possibility.
To thoroughly clean between dental implants, patients should use 12-18 inches of dental floss and gently slide it up and down the sides of each tooth, eliminating any stuck-on plaque. Before removing it, individuals should create a “C” shape with the floss to adequately clean around the base of the tooth. When finished, it is important to gently move the material so that it glides out from between the teeth.
The process should be repeated until the person’s entire mouth is cleaned.
It is necessary that flossing occur at least once a day but preferably twice or more. Many dentists recommend that individuals with dental implants clean between their teeth after every meal, as this is most effective in safeguarding smiles and ensuring their longevity.
Finding the right technique might take a bit of time but with careful practice, patients can feel confident that their dental implants will remain firmly intact for years to come.
About the Practice
DuPont Family Dentistry has four dental professionals who all strive to meet the same goal, which is to help patients achieve happier, healthier smiles. Providing solutions to all types of oral health problems, our team can provide the most beneficial preventive services in the area. We also work with individuals who have dental implants and are looking to better maintain their smiles for years or even decades. Contact us at (253) 964-7000 to learn more.