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Implants

The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene And Dental Implants

We all know the importance of good oral hygiene and how it helps to protect against gum disease, tooth decay and cavities. However, when you have dental implants, it becomes even more essential to keep your mouth clean. Skip to:

Why is it so important to keep dental implants clean?

If you fail to keep your dental implants clean, it can lead to not only infection, but complete failure of the implant. There is also no denying that implants are one of the more expensive dental treatments available, so why wouldn’t you want them to last as long as possible? With proper care, they are able to provide up to 20 years of wear!

How to clean dental implants

Here are our oral hygiene instructions for dental implants.

  1. Brush twice a day, ideally after meal times. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a high quality fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Clean the dental implant area thoroughly to remove debris around the tooth. Be sure to pay particular attention to the gum line, brushing along the edge of the implant to remove build-up and bacteria.
  3. Floss between the teeth (consider a water flosser).
  4. Rinse with an excellent antiseptic mouthwash.

During meals, drink plenty of water and swill food debris from your teeth.

How to prevent dental implant infection and complications

Alongside maintaining great oral hygiene, there are other ways in which you can protect your dental implant against infection and complications.

Immediately after your procedure

Stop smoking. This delays healing and affects the long-term health of the gum and bone. Plus, the chance of dental implant failure is significantly increased if you smoke. Take antibiotics if prescribed and stick to a soft, dairy-free diet for the first two weeks following your treatment. Avoid consuming anything that can become lodged in the dental implant site, alongside sticky or crunchy foods that may cause damage to the implant itself. Don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Long-term dental implant aftercare

Attend regular check-ups with your dentist and schedule a visit with a hygienist at least twice a year for a deep clean. A GBT appointment is a great option. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria build-up. If you grind your teeth, consider wearing a night guard. The excessive pressure placed on the tooth may contribute to implant failure. Finally, maintain a healthy diet and continue to avoid harmful habits such as smoking.

Signs of infection to look out for

If you spot any of the following symptoms, please contact your dentist. These are signs of peri-implantitis, a common type of infection.

  • Red, swollen gums
  • Persistent pain
  • Bad breath
  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Bleeding from the implant site
  • Loose implant
  • Difficulties when chewing

Conclusion: Dental implants are designed to feel and perform just like your natural teeth – therefore, why should they be treated any differently? Maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular check-ups with your dentist and keep an eye out for signs of infection to help protect your implant. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us here.