Oral hygiene is critical for oral and overall health! That remains true even if you have replaced some (or all) of your teeth with dental implants. Twice-daily brushing is as important as ever! But what about flossing? Do you still need to do that every day? How can you floss your implants in a safe and effective manner? This blog post explains what you should know.
Should You Floss Your Dental Implants?
Flossing your dental implants every day can have some major advantages. It can remove food particles and bacteria that might otherwise lead to infections and gum disease. In some cases, it may be critical for preventing dental implant failure! It can also help you to avoid bad breath and other aesthetic issues.
However, there is a caveat to be aware of. Whereas normal teeth are attached to the nearby bone via a periodontal ligament, which is durable and stretchy, the seal around dental implants is much more fragile. Some people have flossed too aggressively and have ended up breaking the peri-implant seal, leading to an increased risk of infections and other complications.
So, is it wise to floss around your dental implants? That is something you can discuss with your dentist. Generally, though, flossing is a good idea as long as it is done correctly.
Tips for Flossing with Dental Implants
Here are some tips for safe and effective flossing with dental implants:
- Be gentle! Never “snap” or shove the floss between your teeth. Instead, insert it in a controlled and gentle manner.
- Be thorough. With your floss wrapped around your fingers, move the floss along each tooth that surrounds a space. Do not simply insert the floss and pull it out right away.
- Keep it clean. Start with a string of floss about 18 inches long. As you move from tooth to tooth, continually switch to a clean section of floss.
- Do not forget the area beneath bridges. If you have an implant-supported bridge, you may need to use a floss threader to clean beneath it.
Consider Flossing Alternatives
If flossing is challenging for you, or your dentist has concerns about your peri-implant seals, you might consider using a water flosser instead of string floss. The pressurized water is gentle and can remove a lot of bacteria and food particles. Plus, water flossing tends to be easier for people with mobility issues, such as arthritis.
Proper oral hygiene can help to keep your implants clean and healthy for many years to come! Talk to your dental team to receive personalized tips on how to care for your smile.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Sara Curcio has nearly 20 years of experience in dentistry. She is proud to partner with local specialists to provide comprehensive dental implant services. If you have questions about how to care for your prosthetic teeth, she and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our South Windsor office at 860-644-2476.