If you’ve had dental implants for a while, you might wonder if a cleaning mistake is causing you to have oral health issues. If your dental implants are not healthy, you are not either. This space needs to be kept clean for the implants to work.
If you want the highest standard of oral health possible, avoiding these cleaning errors is essential. To learn more about common errors in cleaning dental implants, read on.
1. Using the Wrong Toothbrush
Many people use ordinary toothbrushes with hard bristles that can easily damage the implant surface. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles is essential for avoiding potential damage and maintaining good oral hygiene. In some types of dental implants, angled electric toothbrushes are recommended by dentists.
Brushing too forcefully, along with circular motions, can lead to improper implant cleaning. As such, brushing gently and with short back-and-forth strokes is important.
Plaque can also build up under crowns or bridges. Paying attention to these areas is vital.
2. Brushing With the Wrong Toothpaste
Toothpaste not explicitly designed for implants can have abrasive particles that damage the implant’s surface. This can lead to a tartar build-up which will further damage the implant.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to use toothpaste designed for dental implants. It is recommended to avoid toothpaste that contains harsh chemicals. Chemicals such as sodium laureth sulfate can deteriorate the metal, ceramic, and zirconia components of your implant.
3. Choosing the Wrong Floss and Mouthwash
Many people are unaware that dental implants require different cleaning techniques than natural teeth. It is important to remember that only a particular type of floss and a specific type of mouthwash are safe to use on these implants.
When flossing, it is essential to use a special floss specifically designed for dental implants. This will ensure a thorough cleaning without damaging the implant.
Additionally, instead of the standard mouthwash, an antibacterial mouthwash should be used to reduce any potential infections. Alcohol-free mouthwash should also be used.
4. Neglecting Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Plaque, tartar, and bacterial build-up can be difficult to remove. They can cause gradual corrosion of the implant, leading to misalignment, implant fracture, and gum disease. Even if you have the right implant cleaning tools, it will be pointless if you do not commit to a regular oral hygiene routine.
To avoid these errors, daily brushing and implant cleaning routine are recommended. This is to maintain implant stability and reduce biofilm. It is recommended to brush and floss at least twice a day.
5. Ignoring the Importance of Regular Dental Appointments
Regular dental implant appointments are an essential part of keeping dental implants healthy However, if these appointments are missed, plaque and bacterial build-up can cause cavities and gum disease. It can even damage implants over time.
To avoid these errors, patients must have their dental implants regularly inspected and cleaned. During these visits, oral hygiene instruction and more specialized cleaning methods will be done. This includes ultrasonic scaling and sub-gingival curettage. They may be utilized to ensure the implants stay healthy.
If you are still looking, you can visit this dentist to learn more about your options.
Avoid These Errors in Cleaning Dental Implants
To ensure your dental implants remain in top shape, it is essential to remember to avoid these errors in cleaning dental implants. Follow your dentist’s instructions and develop an effective dental healthcare routine.
Overall, an effective maintenance routine significantly increases the lifespan of your implants. Contact your dentist if you experience discomfort so tests and cleaning can be completed.
