What to Know About Flossing with Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth. With proper care, they should be able to last you several decades to a lifetime! While they don’t require any special cleaning products, you’ll need to practice proper oral hygiene to make the most of your restorations. However, flossing with dental implants may be slightly different compared to normal. Read on to learn what to expect and the proper technique for cleaning your new teeth.

The Importance of Flossing

Although brushing is a crucial part of preserving good oral health, it only typically removes about 60% of debris and plaque from your smile. The rest of the food particles and bacteria are likely to get stuck between your teeth, which is often impossible for your toothbrush to reach. This is where flossing comes into play, as the strand can effectively get rid of harmful germs from hard-to-reach areas. By flossing at least once a day, you can also prevent more serious issues like cavities and gum disease.

The Difference in Flossing with Dental Implants

Your gums and teeth are naturally connected via the periodontal ligament, which is filled with nerves that signal when you’ve reached too far into the gum pocket while flossing. However, this is not the same with dental implants. These restorations have a seal that doesn’t contain the same nerves, meaning you won’t feel any discomfort if it breaks. Without these signals, you can potentially damage your gums without realizing it. To avoid harming your gum tissue or increasing the risk of bacteria accessing the bone around your implant, you’ll need to be careful and gentle when flossing your teeth.  

4 Tips for Flossing with Dental Implants

A good rule of thumb for flossing is to do it at least once a day. To ensure your gums and dental implants remain healthy and strong, here are several tips for practicing proper technique:

• Use a “C” motion to clean the sides of your teeth.
• Gently slide the strand between each tooth, carefully reaching below the gum line.
• Move onto a clean piece of floss.
• Repeat the previous steps.

By maintaining your dental implants, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the look and function of your pearly whites again. Feel free to speak with your dentist if you have any concerns or difficulties, or want a refresher on cleaning your new teeth. They’ll be more than happy to help!

About the Author

Dr. Franco Cordini is a periodontist who studied at the Creighton University School of Dentistry. He also has over two decades of experience under his belt and regularly seeks continuing education to refine his techniques. He offers a wide range of all-inclusive treatments, including dental implants. If you’d like to know the best practices for maintaining dental implants, feel free to visit our website or call 502-425-5010.