Dental implants provide an excellent option for replacing missing teeth, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. They not only help you eat comfortably again, but also enhance your smile and boost your confidence. That said, maintaining dental implants properly is crucial, much like caring for your natural teeth.
Dr. Iraj Almasi and his skilled team are dedicated to supporting patients in achieving excellent dental health. In this blog, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to keep your dental implants clean and your smile healthy for years to come.
Keeping Your Dental Implants Clean
Just like natural teeth, dental implants can accumulate plaque, a sticky bacterial film. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, which is significantly harder to get rid of. Plaque and tartar build-up around implants can lead to:
- Peri-implant mucositis: This condition causes inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding the implant, resulting in swelling, bleeding, and redness.
- Peri-implantitis: A more severe condition that affects both the gums and the bone around the implant, potentially leading to bone loss and implant failure.
Adopting effective cleaning habits will help prevent these issues. Routine check-ups and professional cleanings are equally important for keeping your implants and gums healthy.
How to Care for Your Dental Implants
Here’s how you can take care of your dental implants at home:
- Brushing: Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, designed for use with dental implants, as they are gentler on the implant surface and surrounding gums. Brush for two minutes twice daily, making sure to use a gentle, circular brushing motion. Don’t forget to clean the gum area around the implant, too.
- Flossing: Flossing is vital for removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around your implant. Special implant-friendly flossers are available, but regular floss can work as well—just be sure to use it gently to avoid damaging the implant.
- Interdental brushes: These small, cone-shaped brushes are perfect for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots between your teeth and around the implants, where toothbrushes or floss might not be as effective.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: An antibacterial rinse can help reduce bacteria and plaque. Look for a mouthwash that’s alcohol-free and safe to use with dental implants.
Extra Tips for Looking After Dental Implants
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or harsh chemicals, as they could damage your implants.
- Stop smoking, as it increases the likelihood of developing peri-implantitis.
- A well-balanced diet can help minimise plaque formation and enhance your oral health.
Regular Dental Visits: A Must for Healthy Implants
Routine dental appointments are essential for keeping your implants in good condition. During these visits, Dr. Almasi will examine the implant and surrounding tissues to detect any early signs of complications. You’ll also receive a professional cleaning to ensure any plaque or tartar missed at home is removed.
We generally advise checkups and hygienist cleanings every 6 months, though your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your specific needs.
Get in Touch
If you’d like more advice on maintaining your dental implants or want to arrange an appointment, feel free to contact the team at Dental Lounge Eltham. Our dedicated staff are always ready to help however they can.
