If you are missing a tooth, dental implants are an ideal solution. Unlike dentures and partial dentures, the dentist can provide you with dental implants that look and function just like your normal teeth. These dental implants are anchored directly to your jawbone, just like natural teeth, and must be cared for like natural teeth. These restorations require regular cleaning, as their long-term success depends on how well you maintain your dental implants.

Periodontal disease can develop if your gums and teeth are not properly cleaned and flossed, according to a top cosmetic dentist. If this condition is left untreated, the result can be weakened supporting structures and tooth loss ultimately.

Dental Implant Care Tips

Here are some valuable tips to ensure the health and longevity of your dental restorations:

Daily brushing and flossing

This is essential so that your dental implants will remain healthy. There are a variety of supplemental products that allow you to clean your implants properly.

Use an Electronic Toothbrush

It may be in your best interest to get an electric toothbrush for a complete cleaning. A toothbrush with a bent handle to access those hard-to-reach places can also give you a more thorough cleaning.

Consider the Right Cleaning Technique

If you have a removable prosthesis that attaches to your dental implant, once you remove the prosthesis, be sure to brush around your gums and implant and floss thoroughly. If you have a fixed prosthesis, brush the restoration as you would your normal teeth and floss from the front, sides, and back. However, you should practice your brushing techniques with your dentist, to ensure that you are cleaning the implant area correctly.

Consider Floss Threaders for those hard to reach places

It is also a good idea to pick up some floss threaders. These are very helpful because they allow you to reach around your implants and floss in hard-to-reach areas. Special types of floss are also available, such as floss with a foam coating that cleans around your gums, implants and prosthetic teeth. Be sure to discuss these options with your dentist.

Consider other Brushing Options

Small dental brushes are known as “proxy brushes” or interdental brushes are designed to clean in between your teeth and dental implants. While it is not meant to replace your other toothbrush or your floss, the special brush can help clean areas that the other tools may miss.

Not all Toothpaste are Created Equal

Don’t Hesitate to ask your Dentist for his recommendations.

Because toothpaste is designed for natural teeth, they contain fluoride. While this ingredient will not harm your implants, you should be sure to read all ingredients carefully. Toothpaste that contains baking soda or abrasive stain removers and those designed for smokers can remove the glaze on porcelain restorations.

Mouthwash that Morning Breath Away

Many mouth rinses on the market are designed to give you a fresh- breath feeling. However, alcohol is used to create this and can lead to dry mouth. If you have the tendency toward a dry mouth, you should use an alcohol-free mouth rinse.

Last and definitely not the least:

See your Dentist Regularly

You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. But after having dental implants placed, it may be a good idea to see your dentist every three months to thoroughly clean your implants and ensure that there are not any problems. Your specific dental visit program will be discussed and determined after your implants are placed.

If you follow these simple steps, you rest assured that your tooth implants will last indefinitely.