If you’ve experienced tooth loss and are seeking replacements, dental implants are a top-tier choice. These prosthetics are widely regarded as the optimal solution for restoring both the appearance and functionality of your smile. They are embedded in your jawbone to provide unparalleled strength, stability, and long-term success, setting them apart from alternatives like dentures and dental bridges.
However, if you want to make the most out of your dental implants, it’s important to establish a regular at-home dental hygiene routine. In addition to brushing twice daily, you should also floss to clean between your teeth and along your gumline. Continue reading to learn 3 helpful flossing tips to keep your restoration in pristine condition!
Tip #1: Pick Your Product
When it comes to dental floss, there are many options. You can go the more traditional route with minty-flavored, waxed string if that works best for you. Those with mobility challenges, though, might do better with flosser picks that have handles. What’s important is finding a type that you feel comfortable using twice daily, both morning and night. You should also look for a type that doesn’t easily break or shred against the porcelain dental crown capping your implant.
Tip #2: Be Gentle
If you’ve researched about how to best floss your dental implant, you may have found articles discouraging you from doing it at all. Some dentists recommend against it because no periodontal ligaments hold your prosthetics in place like they do for your natural teeth. That means aggressive flossing can tear the thin barrier that exists between your restoration and the underlying bone. If that happens, bacteria could infect the area and cause your implant to fail.
You can prevent this by taking your time and being cautious about how you floss. Use the cord to create a C-shape and gently move it around the base of your teeth without shoving it into the underlying pocket. This helps clean unwanted plaque without putting your pearly whites at risk.
Tip #3: Visit Your Dentist
Another great way to ensure that your dental implants remain in tip-top shape is to schedule routine checkups and cleanings every six months. This allows your dentist to monitor your overall condition so that if anything changes or a problem arises, they can act quickly to address it before it progresses. Not only can they keep your prosthetics looking and feeling great, but they’ll also scan for oral cancer and other issues to keep your mouth in good health.
Regularly removing harmful plaque and bacteria buildup helps keep your restoration in excellent condition for years to come!
About the Practice
At Gannett Drive Dental, patients can achieve straighter smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Gagnon and our skilled team provide customized orthodontic plans designed to deliver lasting results. With personalized care and advanced technology, our practice helps patients transform their smiles comfortably and effectively.
Call us at (207) 253-5600 or request an appointment online.