Oral hygiene is vital for the longevity of dental implants. Special attention should be given to oral hygiene after surgery. Follow these tips to keep your dental implants functional for long:

• Regular brushing

Patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day. This will ensure that the growth of bacteria is prevented and your teeth stay protected from tooth decay and other oral diseases. Over a 1000 bacteria and viruses have been found in the mouth. Electric brushes have been shown to both clean more thoroughly and take less time. This is one of the most profound changes I have seen in 31 years of placing implants.

• Daily flossing

Flossing should become a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing will remove food debris from between the teeth and implants. This prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and checks the development of tooth decay and gum disease. A water pick water flosser may be a suitable substitute if your dental hygienist recommends one.

• Regular dental appointments

It is important to have the dental implants checked regularly. Regular dental examinations ensure that your dentist knows how your implants are developing and gives you coaching as to how to avoid more serious problems. This also helps to spot any problems and deal with them early.

• Professional cleaning

Regular teeth cleaning by a professional is also essential for teeth and gum health. Ensure that your teeth are professionally cleaned 4 times a year during the first year after the implant placement. I recommend quarterly cleaning intervals initially to help you establish habits that keep the soft tissues healthy. After that, your dental hygienist should be your best resource to know how often YOU need to have your teeth cleaned. This varies considerably between patients and also ensures thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums and prevents the development of gum disease.

Contact Us

Our Drs at South Valley Periodontics and Dental Implants and Woodland Hills Dentists are happy to answer any oral hygiene questions that you might have. Please feel free to call us at 818-225-9510 for more information or to schedule your periodontal disease screening today.