“What should not be used to clean around a dental implant?”
I got dental implants. What should not be used to clean around a dental implant?
2 Answers
Proper cleaning around dental implants is essential to maintain their health and longevity, but certain tools and techniques should be avoided to prevent damage to the implant and surrounding tissue. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, emphasizes the importance of gentle, effective cleaning methods that protect your implants while keeping your mouth healthy.
Tools and Methods to Avoid When Cleaning Around Dental Implants
Hard-Bristled Toothbrushes
A hard-bristled toothbrush can be too abrasive and may damage the gum tissue around the implant, leading to irritation or recession. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead, which is gentle on both the gums and the implant crown.
Abrasive Toothpaste
Toothpaste with gritty or abrasive ingredients (like baking soda or charcoal) can scratch the implant crown and irritate the gums. Opt for a non-abrasive, implant-safe toothpaste to clean around your implants without causing wear or damage.
Metal Picks or Probes
Metal dental tools or picks can scratch the implant’s surface and increase the risk of infection or implant failure. Instead, use plastic or nylon interdental brushes or soft tools designed specifically for implants.
String Dental Floss on Its Own
Regular string floss can sometimes get caught on the implant or the abutment, and if used too forcefully, it may damage the surrounding gum tissue. If you choose to use floss, consider a specialized type for implants, such as implant-specific floss or a water flosser, which gently removes plaque without putting strain on the gums.
Mouthwash with Alcohol
Alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out the mouth and irritate gum tissue. Instead, choose an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the implant area clean and support healthy gums without the harsh effects of alcohol.
Harsh Water Pressure from Oral Irrigators
While water flossers (oral irrigators) are generally safe and effective for implants, avoid setting the water pressure too high, as it can irritate the gums and potentially damage soft tissue around the implant. A medium or low setting is typically sufficient for cleaning around implants.
Recommended Cleaning Tools for Dental Implants
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft manual or electric toothbrush is gentle on the gums and effectively cleans around the implant.
Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Look for toothpaste specifically designed for implants or sensitive teeth.
Interdental Brushes (Nylon): Plastic or nylon interdental brushes are ideal for cleaning between implants and other teeth.
Water Flosser on a Low Setting: A water flosser can be effective for removing debris and plaque without disturbing the implant area if used on a gentle setting.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan provides comprehensive guidance on maintaining your implants with the right cleaning tools and techniques. Following these recommendations will help you keep your implants healthy and ensure they remain a lasting part of your smile.
Tools and Methods to Avoid When Cleaning Around Dental Implants
Hard-Bristled Toothbrushes
A hard-bristled toothbrush can be too abrasive and may damage the gum tissue around the implant, leading to irritation or recession. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead, which is gentle on both the gums and the implant crown.
Abrasive Toothpaste
Toothpaste with gritty or abrasive ingredients (like baking soda or charcoal) can scratch the implant crown and irritate the gums. Opt for a non-abrasive, implant-safe toothpaste to clean around your implants without causing wear or damage.
Metal Picks or Probes
Metal dental tools or picks can scratch the implant’s surface and increase the risk of infection or implant failure. Instead, use plastic or nylon interdental brushes or soft tools designed specifically for implants.
String Dental Floss on Its Own
Regular string floss can sometimes get caught on the implant or the abutment, and if used too forcefully, it may damage the surrounding gum tissue. If you choose to use floss, consider a specialized type for implants, such as implant-specific floss or a water flosser, which gently removes plaque without putting strain on the gums.
Mouthwash with Alcohol
Alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out the mouth and irritate gum tissue. Instead, choose an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the implant area clean and support healthy gums without the harsh effects of alcohol.
Harsh Water Pressure from Oral Irrigators
While water flossers (oral irrigators) are generally safe and effective for implants, avoid setting the water pressure too high, as it can irritate the gums and potentially damage soft tissue around the implant. A medium or low setting is typically sufficient for cleaning around implants.
Recommended Cleaning Tools for Dental Implants
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft manual or electric toothbrush is gentle on the gums and effectively cleans around the implant.
Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Look for toothpaste specifically designed for implants or sensitive teeth.
Interdental Brushes (Nylon): Plastic or nylon interdental brushes are ideal for cleaning between implants and other teeth.
Water Flosser on a Low Setting: A water flosser can be effective for removing debris and plaque without disturbing the implant area if used on a gentle setting.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan provides comprehensive guidance on maintaining your implants with the right cleaning tools and techniques. Following these recommendations will help you keep your implants healthy and ensure they remain a lasting part of your smile.
My favorite tool for cleaning around implants is a product called super Floss. Individual strands of floss, covered with a sponge that has a stiff end to thread with. Check it out. Hope this helps. Mary Swift DDSDallas Laser Dentistrywww.dallascosmeticdentist.us
