Getting dental implants can be a big investment in improving your smile and oral health. Proper care of your implants, including brushing and flossing, is essential for keeping your new teeth healthy and functioning well. However, some special considerations apply when brushing teeth with implants, especially in the first few weeks after surgery.
When can you start brushing after a dental implant?
Your dentist will give you specific instructions on when you can begin brushing the implant area after surgery. Typically, you should avoid brushing the implant site for the first 24 hours. After that, you can gently brush the area, taking care not to disrupt the sutures.
Here are some general guidelines on when to start brushing after a dental implant procedure:
- Single tooth implant: Brush gently around the implant after 24 hours.
- Multiple adjacent implants: Avoid brushing over the sites for one week. Brush gently around the area.
- Full-arch dental implant: Don’t brush over the implant sites for 2-4 weeks. Use an antimicrobial mouthrinse instead.
Your dentist may give you a prescription antimicrobial mouthrinse to use for the first 2 weeks after surgery to control bacteria while you cannot brush the implant sites.
How long after a dental implant can you brush normally?
While you need to take some precautions brushing around a healing implant, you can generally resume your normal brushing routine after about 2-6 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. Here’s a general timeline:
- Single tooth implant: Brush normally after 2 weeks.
- Multiple adjacent implants: Brush normally after 4-6 weeks.
- Full-arch dental implant: Resume normal brushing after 6 weeks.
Be sure to ask your dentist when it is safe to brush the implant area like normal. Rushing back into vigorous brushing too soon could disrupt healing.
How to brush teeth with dental implants
Once your dentist gives you the green light, you can brush your implant-supported teeth much like natural teeth. However, proper technique is important to avoid damaging the implant surfaces or connections.
Follow these tips for brushing dental implants:
- Use an extra soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush gently using short, gentle strokes.
- Aim the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
- Avoid pressing too hard on the implants.
- Don’t use back-and-forth sawing motions.
- Brush implant-supported bridges very gently.
Also be sure to brush your gums, tongue, palate, and inner tooth surfaces. Use fluoride toothpaste unless your dentist recommends otherwise.
Can you use electric toothbrushes on implants?
Electric toothbrushes can be used on dental implants if you select a soft brush head and allow the brush to do most of the work. Avoid applying too much pressure. Let the vibrations of the electric brush gently remove plaque and debris around the implant and along the gumline.
Models that provide a pressure sensor and timer can help ensure you’re brushing implants effectively but gently. Oscillating electric toothbrushes tend to be the most comfortable and safest choice.
What about water flossers and interdental brushes?
Flossing is just as important for dental implants as natural teeth. Water flossers and interdental brushes can be effective alternatives to traditional string floss.
Water flossers use a stream of water to remove plaque and debris from between teeth and around implants. Select the lowest pressure setting when using around implants. Move the stream slowly to avoid damaging the implant connections.
Interdental brushes come in different sizes to fit between teeth. Gently move the tiny brush in and out between implant crowns or bridges to dislodge trapped food particles and plaque.
Can implants get stained or develop tartar?
Yes, dental implants can develop surface stains, plaque, and tartar just like natural teeth. That’s why it’s important to brush and floss implants twice daily. Here are some tips:
- Brush implants thoroughly before bed to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
- See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to remove staining and tartar.
- Avoid smoking and drinking dark liquids like wine or coffee right after getting implants.
- Whitening treatments may be recommended to remove stubborn surface stains.
What is the best toothpaste for implants?
Regular use of fluoride toothpaste is important for dental implant care. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel surfaces and prevent decay. Other features to look for include:
- ADA acceptance for effectiveness and safety
- Tartar control
- Antimicrobial ingredients
- Desensitizing agents like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride
Sensitive formulations can be useful in the first few weeks after getting implants when the areas may be irritated. Whitening toothpastes are generally safe for maintaining bright implant crowns.
Avoid highly abrasive toothpastes, as these could wear down the implant connections over time. Your dentist can recommend the best toothpaste options tailored for your individual needs and situation.
Proper brushing technique for dental implants
Here are some step-by-step tips for effectively brushing dental implants:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Position the brush bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of all implant crowns and bridges.
- Use very light pressure, letting the bristles glide over surfaces.
- Avoid sawing motions over the implants.
- Brush your gums, tongue, palate, and inner cheeks too.
- Brush for a full 2 minutes, twice per day.
- Rinse thoroughly with water when done.
Be extra gentle around implant abutments, connections, and retaining screws. Let your dentist know if you experience any irritation, swelling, or discomfort when brushing around implants.
What happens if you don’t brush implants properly?
Neglecting oral hygiene around dental implants can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Inflammation and infection around the implant site
- Buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria
- Gum disease and bone loss around the implant
- Peri-implantitis, a serious gum infection
- Loosening of the implant
- Failure and loss of the implant
Brushing and flossing implants thoroughly every day is essential for the health of your implants and surrounding bone and gums. Be sure to see your dentist regularly as well for professional cleanings and checkups.
Special considerations
People with certain conditions may need to take extra precautions when brushing around dental implants:
- Bleeding issues – Use extra soft brushes and avoid electric models. Brush very gently.
- Dexterity problems – Try brushing handles designed for limited grip strength.
- Osteoporosis – Let your dentist know so they can monitor implant stability.
- Autoimmune diseases – You may need more frequent dental visits to ensure implants stay healthy.
Talk to your dentist about your unique needs so you can keep your implants in optimal condition.
Conclusion
While special care must be taken in the weeks following implant surgery, brushing and flossing around dental implants should become part of your regular oral hygiene routine. Practicing proper technique and being diligent to clean implants daily helps keep them functioning well and avoid complications. Working closely with your dentist ensures your implants are in good health for many years.