5 Tips for Cleaning Dental Implants
Just like regular teeth, dental implants need daily cleaning to keep them in good condition. If you do not clean your dental implants, they could become coated in plaque, which looks unpleasant and can contribute to gum disease. Follow these tips to keep your dental implants clean.
1. Pay Attention When You Brush
Most people know that they should brush their dental implants every day, but distractions and fatigue can lead them to brush less thoroughly than they should. When you clean your dental implants, try to keep your mind focused on the task. Use a timer to ensure that you brush for long enough. Be sure to brush all parts of the dental implant crowns, including the backs, fronts and top surfaces.
2. Use an Electric Toothbrush
Consider using an electric toothbrush to clean dental implants. The gentle rotating motion of an electric brush head is highly effective for removing dental plaque from implant crowns. Electric toothbrushes can also have built-in timers to help you brush for long enough every day.
If you can afford it, choose an electric toothbrush that includes a pressure sensor. This feature will warn you if you press too hard against your dental implants, which can scratch them.
3. Use a Suitable Toothpaste
When you have dental implants, the best type of toothpaste to use is a regular fluoride toothpaste that does not contain any abrasive ingredients. There is no point in using a whitening toothpaste as they do not remove stains from dental implant crowns, and some brands contain abrasive substances, which can scratch the implants. To find out which brand of toothpaste is the most suitable option for you, ask your dentist for advice.
4. Floss Every Day
Unfortunately, dentists' lectures about flossing do not go away when your regular teeth are replaced with dental implants. Cleaning between the implant crowns remains important for preventing gum disease and bad breath. You might find it difficult to clean dental implants with regular string floss, so consider using bridge floss, a floss pick, an interdental brush, or a water flosser to make the task easier.
5. Have Regular Professional Cleanings
Professional cleanings remain a good idea even when your teeth have been replaced with implants. Your dentist can remove plaque from your implants and clean around the gum line with a water jet to leave your breath fresh and your mouth feeling fantastically clean.
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