If you chose dental implants to restore your missing teeth, you may be excited about their many benefits. They help you eat through more foods compared to other restorations while preserving your jawbone. In order to have this tooth replacement option for a lifetime, it’s important to keep them clean. You may already know how brushing is important, but flossing is as well! Continue reading to learn why and how you can safely do so with your implants.
Is Flossing Important with Dental Implants?
In short, yes! While bacteria can’t erode away at the materials used for this tooth replacement, the surrounding structures around it can be attacked. When plaque can build up around the implant site, you may develop an infection called peri-implantitis. You may experience inflamed gums or have jawbone loss, eventually leading to failure when left untreated.
How Do I Floss Around My Dental Implant?
To protect your investment in your smile, flossing is just as important as brushing and mouthwash. Many people aren’t sure how they can do this vital part of their oral hygiene routine, so here is a quick breakdown:
- When picking out your floss, make sure it’s unwaxed and use a threader or opt for super floss. The latter is precut with stiff ends, so it’s easier to thread between your teeth.
- Guide the floss along your restoration (or underneath your bridge) and gently wrap it around, creating a C-shape.
- Move the thread back and forth to remove plaque and bacteria, then switch over to the other side when finished.
One difference you’ll have to make when flossing around a dental implant is not going underneath your gumline, which you may be used to doing with your natural teeth. That is because your gums create a peri-implant seal around your tooth replacement. This is when the soft tissues attach to your implants, stopping bacteria from causing problems. However, flossing can break it, and there are no nerves in this part, so you won’t feel much, if any, discomfort.
It’s normal to be worried about pushing into your gumline, so an alternative to using floss thread is to use a water flosser! It’s just as effective and shouldn’t break the seal.
What Else Should I Do to Keep My Dental Implants Healthy?
While keeping up with your oral hygiene can prevent any issues, having routine visits with your dentist can ensure your dental implants stay strong. They can help monitor for any changes that could risk the tooth replacement failing and take the steps to stop it! You can even get personalized advice on how you can keep your full smile healthy for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Michael McCleaster earned his dental degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ. He has completed advanced training that focused on a wide range of treatments, like dental implants. By partnering with local dental implant specialists, you can trust you’re getting the best care possible. To learn more about how you can better care for your smile, schedule an appointment or call (973) 598-0800.