Tools You Need To Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants can accumulate plaque just like your regular teeth. Therefore, it is essential that you work hard to prevent plaque from accumulating. Unlike dentures, which you can take out and soak, dental implants can only be cared for with proper oral hygiene. There is no single device that is able to remove plaque from all surfaces of a dental implant structure. Instead, you will need to use several tools to target the most vulnerable areas around the dental implant structure.

Waterpiks

Waterpiks are effective tools for removing food that has accumulated around the gumline. They are often used as an alternative to floss. The waterpik holds lukewarm water in a reservoir and allows you to spray water in-between your teeth to rinse debris. This approach helps reach debris that other tools are more likely to miss.

Dentist-Selected Toothbrushes

The toothbrush that you use needs to be selected for you by your dentist, since the angle of the brush needs to be effective when used with your type of implant structure. You will especially need to be instructed on how to brush the lingual portion of your dental implant structure. This usually requires that you turn your toothbrush sideways to reach the area near your gumline. Use a toothpaste that is not highly abrasive, so it doesn't damage your teeth.

Non-Abrasive Mouth Wash

It is even more important to use a mouth rinse to keep your gums healthy, because they target the gumline and will reduce the chances that your gums will recede. Implants can fail when gum infections from excessive plaque and tartar accumulate around the crown or the exposed post, causing an infection.

Regular Cleanings From A Dentist

See your dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned. Your dentist can use instruments that are not available to you to more thoroughly clean your teeth. Also, only your dentist can determine if you are protecting your teeth well enough.

The first warning sign that you haven't taken care of your implants is that they are bleeding. If the deterioration reaches the level of bone loss, the implant will not be able to be salvaged and you will lose your implant without medical intervention. An infection around an implant can lead to harmful effects much more quickly than infections around natural teeth because the infection can cause a dish-shaped cavity around the implant. Rather than having this condition treated, it is best to prevent it in the first place with proper oral hygiene. To find out more, speak with someone like Schirmer Dentistry.