One of the main benefits of dental implants (along with being a permanent solution for missing teeth) is the ease of cleaning and maintaining them. They function just like real teeth so it doesn’t require too much effort to keep them or your entire smile clean.
That said, maintaining proper oral hygiene and being consistent with your oral hygiene routine is crucial to how long your dental implants will last.
How to clean dental implants
Whether you’ve just gotten a dental implant or you’re considering getting one, we have some essential tips for cleaning teeth implants so you can keep your smile sparkling:
1. Brush regularly and thoroughly.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle manual toothbrush or soft-bristle electric toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums and enamel.
Studies show that using an electric toothbrush can supercharge your oral hygiene routine. In an extensive 11-year study by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, using an electric toothbrush resulted in 22% less gum recession and 18% less tooth decay in subjects, as compared to using a manual toothbrush! If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, this could be a good investment for you.
If you really want to keep that smile sparkling, we recommend brushing your teeth an additional time in the afternoon! Less food debris stuck in your teeth means less bacteria, less plaque, and better oral hygiene.
2. Don’t neglect floss!
Flossing should be used alongside brushing to remove plaque and food particles from places where your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep your teeth and gums clean, prevent cavities and gum disease, and prevent bad breath!
Floss thoroughly, at least once each night.
3. Do a quick mouthwash rinse each day.
Flossing and brushing are absolutely essential, whether you have dental implants or not, but using an antibacterial mouthwash can really boost your oral hygiene routine and safeguard you from bacteria buildup.
Antibacterial mouthwash kills bacteria and freshens your breath. Since bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing is an easy way to further disinfect your smile with minimal effort.
What is the best mouthwash for dental implants? Right after your dental implant procedure, our Board-Certified Periodontists will prescribe you a speciality mouthwash to help keep the surgical site clean and free of bacteria. From there, we recommend any alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash. Here’s a great list to choose from.
4. Stay hydrated!
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of dry mouth and bad breath. Plus, when your body is hydrated, it has a better chance of fighting off harmful bacteria and preventing gum disease.
5. Be consistent.
Consistency is key! If you’re committed to making your dental implant last a lifetime, you have to commit to consistent cleaning. Don’t go to bed without cleaning your teeth, and make a practical routine of caring for your oral health throughout the day.
How to Keep Dental Implants White
Worried about yellowing or tooth discoloration with your dental implant? While dental implants look and function as close to real teeth as possible, they do not discolor like regular teeth. If you’re concerned about the color shade of your dental implant or how teeth whitening would affect it, it’s always best to speak with your periodontist about this first!
But there are natural ways to maintain white teeth with dental implants:
- Be sure not to miss any of your regular dental check-ups/cleanings. Your dentist uses special tools to clean plaque and bacteria from your teeth and prevent tartar buildup. Because plaque and tartar calcify or harden, this buildup can cause noticeable yellowing and discoloration in your teeth. Showing up for your professional dental cleanings (every 6 months or as often as advised) is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth clean and white! And don’t forget to keep regular appointments with your periodontist as well. Only they can perform the deep cleanings necessary to improve or maintain your gum disease.
- Eat a balanced diet. Sugary and acidic foods are known to cause yellowing or discoloration in teeth. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support not only your oral health and smile aesthetic, but your overall health and wellbeing too.
- Prioritize your oral hygiene. Maintaining a beautiful smile comes down to a commitment to prioritize your oral hygiene. Carry travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste with you, and give your teeth a quick cleaning after each snack or meal. The more frequently you clean your teeth, the less chance you give those discoloration-causing bacteria to thrive.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene with dental implants is simple! With a little daily care, you’ll be ensuring that your dental implants and natural teeth stay healthy for a lifetime.
Looking to get dental implants? Schedule your dental implant consult with one of our Board-Certified Periodontists and Dental Implant Specialists in Tampa or New Port Richey/Trinity, and take the first step toward reclaiming a healthy smile!
