Do I need to change my flossing technique for a dental implant?
Before you got an implant, hopefully, you were brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. If you wear dentures, you should have been cleaning them with a denture paste and brush the soft tissues in your mouth.
A permanent dental implant requires brushing and flossing as well. This area is especially prone to plaque and inflammation if not cleaned regularly. The flossing technique for your tooth implant is a bit different.
Criss-Cross Shoe Shine
Insert the floss behind the implant and bring both ends through to the front. Cross the strings, and trade hands so your hands aren’t crossed. Now move in a shoe-shine motion to clean all around the implant.
Some people prefer the tape-style floss over the standard type.
Gentle and Thorough
When brushing, use a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste. Aggressive brushing can damage the soft tissues in your mouth and bring about gum recession.
Manual, Electric, or Sonic Brush?
You can use a manual brush, electric, or sonic type. If it is difficult for you to brush with a manual brush, try an electric or sonic style.
Some patients are advised to use an interproximal brush to clean around the implant area.
You may also be prescribed an antimicrobial mouth rinse. This is a measure of protection if you have limited mobility or are susceptible to inflammation.
If you want more beautiful teeth, come into Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS in Monkton and discuss your goals with Craig Longenecker, DDS. Dr. Longenecker will examine your teeth and recommend the most effective system for you.
Contact Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS:
(410) 357-0099
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
16928 York Rd
Monkton, Maryland
21111
