You can eat any foods you want, talk freely, and enjoy the confidence that comes with having a reliable tooth replacement – all thanks to your dental implants! Needless to say, you’d like to keep the good vibes rolling for as long as possible.
Good oral hygiene will help your dental implants last, so of course brushing your teeth twice daily should be part of your routine. But what about flossing? Here’s why you shouldn’t forget about this essential habit.
Benefits of Flossing Dental Implants
You might be thinking that flossing inorganic implants seems excessive. However, your toothbrush can’t reach the area between your teeth. Without a good flossing routine in place, sheltered bacteria can cause all kinds of oral health issues, like gum disease, jawbone infection, and even implant failure. A few extra seconds of oral cleaning is well worth it!
Plus, flossing will help keep your dental implants looking pearly and pristine. Bacteria and traces of your most recent meal can cast a yellowy hue onto your smile, even when they’re hiding between your teeth. Floss away these cosmetic irritants, and your dental implants will look good from every angle.
Tips for Flossing Like a Pro
If you want to be as thorough as possible when you use threaded floss, you’ll need to know a few tips and tricks. Here’s how the pros do it:
- Be gentle and work carefully around your implants
- Gingerly pull the floss between your teeth
- Form a “c” shape with the thread, rubbing it up and down the sides of both teeth
- Pull the floss free
- Rinse and repeat!
These simple adjustments will help you keep your dental implants clean and your oral health in tip-top shape.
Useful Oral Hygiene Resources
Nowadays there are several dental “tools” on the market that can improve and refine your oral hygiene routine. If you’re not a big fan of classic floss, for example, you could invest in an oral irrigator. Patients with dental sensitivities especially appreciate being able to spray a gentle jet of water between their teeth instead of tugging or pulling on thread.
It’s up to you to maintain day-to-day at-home care for your dental implants, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone in fighting off harmful bacteria and food particles. Your dentist can lend their assistance during a checkup and cleaning appointment. If you schedule these visits every six months, you’ll be in a good position to mitigate oral health problems – and help your dental implants stand the test of time!
About the Practice
Dr. Sarah Veazey-Georges and Dr. Eric Broe are committed to providing their patients with excellent care through personalized treatment and compassionate service. Even if you’re “only” visiting for a regular checkup and cleaning, they’ll make sure you feel like a VIP and your oral health needs are taken care of. If you have questions or concerns about maintaining healthy, long-lasting dental implants, contact Dr. Georges and Dr. Broe’s office at 904-810-5702.