If you’ve made the decision to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you’ve made a wise decision. You’ve invested in a solution that’s proven to last for decades with the right aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene at home. Unfortunately, brushing your new smile isn’t enough to keep it healthy. You also need to commit to flossing dental implants in Crown Point; however, it can be a bit tricky. Here’s how to effectively floss your dental implants to ensure they last for a lifetime.
Flossing with Dental Implants
Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against preventable oral health issues, like tooth decay. No matter how well you brush, your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere in your mouth, like in between your teeth or around your dental implants. The only way to remove trapped food particles and plaque is with floss.
The biggest threat to the long-term success of dental implants is a preventable infection called peri-implantitis, which is like gum disease. Flossing is crucial to keeping the infection at bay. When flossing your dental implants, it differs from cleaning your natural teeth because the floss can be pushed into the gum pockets without damaging the tissue. Your gums don’t attach to the dental implant. Instead, there’s a much weaker seal called a peri-implant seal. Since the seal isn’t supplied with nerves, there isn’t any pain signal if it is broken. As a result, bacteria can enter the pocket and infect the jawbone. If the bone is compromised, it can lead to dental implant failure. With the pockets being sensitive, flossing dental implants must be done carefully.
Tips for Flossing Dental Implants
Your dentist in Crown Point recommends flossing at least once daily. Besides cleaning your natural teeth, use about 18” of floss to clean around your dental implants. It can be a tight fit, so many people find a dental flosser to be a bit easier because you can thread it through the space between your restoration and the gum tissue.
If you still struggle with traditional floss, consider using an oral irrigator, also known as a water flosser. It emits a pressurized spray of water to loosen plaque from the narrow spaces surrounding your dental implants. An interproximal brush can also be used; however, don’t use one that contains a metal wire because it can scratch the implant, leaving small crevices that can harbor plaque.
Commit to Your Dental Implants
Besides caring for your dental implants at home, don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll remove any accumulations left behind by your toothbrush and floss while also looking for any signs of infection. With a proactive approach, you can help to ensure your dental implants last for many years to come.
About Dr. Daniel Jordan Berquist
Dr. Berquist earned his dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He’s committed to providing advanced services for his patients, like dental implants. As a member of the American Dental Association and many other professional organizations, he has the experience and qualifications you can trust. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
