Dental implants indeed cost a hefty amount of money. When taken care of, they can last for more than a decade. Therefore, you get your money’s worth. They are one of the best replacements for missing and damaged teeth. They are sturdy and look natural. However, neglecting implant care can result in dental issues, such as peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease that causes tissue damage and implant loss. Plaque accumulation and biofilm formation are the major culprits. Therefore, cleaning your implants every day is a must. To know more, get in touch with a cosmetic dentist in Fairfield, ME today. Meanwhile, here are some tips to follow.
Tips on taking care of your dental implants.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is less likely to damage your teeth and gums. It is as effective as a normal bristled toothbrush in cleaning your teeth and removing plaque or tartar. Electric toothbrushes generate a greater number of brush strokes than a normal human hand, therefore removing bacteria more effectively.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Brushing when you wake up cleans bacteria from your mouth that accumulated overnight. It also eliminates morning breath. Brushing before you go to bed removes bacteria that you have gained throughout the day. It also decreases the risk of plaque formation overnight.
- Clean plaque at least twice a week.
Use a cleaning tool to remove plaque from implant surfaces. Consider using an ultrasonic cleaner to operate this task. However, you should not use them too often. Using them on your dental implants is not highly advisable. They have metallic tips which can damage your dental implants or your overall teeth.
- Use crown and bridge floss.
These are specially designed to clean around your dental implants. It gently cleans your implant surface and the porcelain that touches the gumline. The two stiff nylon ends allow you to insert the floss between the implants and pull it to the other side.
- Use low abrasive toothpaste.
Use a toothpaste with less chemical and harmful ingredients. Avoid toothpaste containing stain-removing agents or baking soda. They can make your porcelain implants dull.
- Use a water flosser.
A water flosser, also known as a dental water jet, removes and disrupts bacteria from pocket depths. There are a variety of flossers available. Some are rubber-tipped to accommodate sensitive teeth and gums and provide effective cleaning.
- Soak dentures overnight.
There is a cleaning solution specially made for dentures. Before you go to sleep, make sure to soak them in that liquid. This helps them stay clean as well as retain their shape. Follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid making any errors.