In the US, more than 150 million people are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants are a must for many who need a permanent tooth-loss solution.

To keep your implants healthy and improve their lifespan, you must know how to care for them. Poor oral care can also impact your overall health.

If you’re concerned about properly caring for your implants, we’ll keep you up to date with your care and how to avoid the top 5 cleaning errors for dental implants. Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for an implant.

1. Choosing the Wrong Aftercare Routine

Choosing the wrong aftercare routine is one of the top five cleaning errors for dental implants. Plaque and tartar can build up quickly on implants, leading to gum disease, pain, and, eventually, the loss of your implant.

To avoid this, select an implant maintenance routine tailored to your needs, such as brushing your teeth twice daily. Talk to your local dental implant dentist about setting up a care routine for your unique needs.

2. Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

It’s crucial to use the correct implant cleaning tools just like hard-bristled toothbrushes. Hard-bristle brushes can be too abrasive for the titanium implant posts and abutments, leading to signs of implant wear and tear. As such, it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead. Additionally, be gentle when brushing around the dental implants. Scrubbing too hard can also damage the implant posts and abutments.

3. Not Using the Right Toothpaste

Toothpaste designed for natural teeth contains abrasive particles, which can damage the protective layer that covers the implants. It’s important to use toothpaste specifically designed for implant maintenance, as this ensures that the implant does not become scratched.

Make sure to avoid toothpaste that contains bleaching ingredients, as this may irritate your gums or lead to discoloration of the implant. It’s best to avoid toothpaste that contains artificial sweeteners or other harsh flavoring ingredients, as these could damage the implant over time.

4. Not Brushing the Implant’s Crown

Hardened plaque and bacteria can build up on the crown of the implant, leading to infection and foul odor. To avoid this mistake, one should brush the crown of the implant for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush as this is the right implant maintenance routine. 

5. Brushing Less Than Twice a Day

Brushing less than twice a day is one of the most common cleaning mistakes for dental implants. This will not provide enough plaque control to maintain healthy, clean implants.

Plaque can build up and cause gum infection and bone loss, which can lead to implant failure. To avoid this mistake, always brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. 

Avoid These Cleaning Errors for Dental Implants

Cleaning dental implants is essential for preventing complications. Taking the necessary steps to clean your dental implants correctly is crucial. Make sure to floss and brush around and under your dental implants, and consult with your dental hygienist for additional instructions. Take proper care of your teeth, and you’ll be protected from the top 5 cleaning errors for dental implants.

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