Cleaning Your Dental Implants: The Top 3 Tips For Keeping Your New Teeth Beautiful and Healthy

Dental implants are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options today. They replace missing natural teeth with beautiful and completely natural-looking prosthetics. After you get brand-new dental implants, one of your top priorities is undoubtedly keeping them healthy—but what's the best way to do that? Read on to discover the top three tips for keeping your new dental implants both healthy and beautiful. 

Brushing Technique

Proper brushing technique is extremely important after you get new dental implants. Poor brushing habits are often one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease—and therefore, poor habits are often the main reason that people eventually lose their teeth. If you had poor brushing habits previously, you can begin anew with your dental implants. Careful brushing will keep your gums healthy, which will help keep your dental implants both secure and beautiful. 

You should schedule brushing two times each day for two minutes each time. A soft-bristle brush is ideal, as it applies enough pressure to clean the gums but won't scratch the porcelain or ceramic crowns atop your dental implants. 

Flossing Technique

Flossing technique with dental implants is different than what you may be used to with your natural teeth. Because dental implants are secured by small round posts that are implanted in the jaw, you can move the dental floss up much further than you'd be able to with natural teeth. In fact, whilst flossing you should lift the floss upwards until it touches the implant post, and then move it back down. 

This more complex flossing technique means that it can take longer to floss, so allow yourself plenty of time and plan to floss right before bed. Many patients find that specialised dental implant flossers make the process easier and faster, so you might want to use those in the beginning.

Oral Irrigation Technique

Whilst the use of oral irrigators isn't required, it can make dental implant care much easier. Oral irrigators are a powerful way to reduce and even eliminate the bacteria that leads to gum disease and tooth decay. They're remarkably easy to use: simply direct the stream of water directly at the gum line, making sure to flush all areas around the implant post as much as possible. 

Although oral irrigators should not be used to replace flossing, they can be an excellent supplement. If you use an oral irrigator before flossing, you'll be able to flush away a great deal of bacteria and debris. This can make it easier to ensure that your brushing and flossing are as effective as possible. 

If you simply use the right brushing, flossing, and oral irrigation techniques, you can keep your dental implants clean and healthy. Contact your cosmetic dentist to learn more about keeping your implants (and your whole mouth) healthy.