Full dental implants serve a robust and natural-looking choice for lost teeth, but they must be cleaned properly to be maintained. Implants don’t decay like normal teeth do, but bad dental hygiene can cause gum disease, infections, and even implant failure.
Studies claim poor oral hygiene is linked to up to 20% of dental implant failures. For this reason, maintaining your oral health and the longevity of your dental implants depends on learning how to clean below them. Here is all the information you require to maintain the longevity, cleanliness, and health of your implants!
Why It’s Important To Clean Under Full Dental Implants?
Similar to natural teeth, bacteria & plaque can build up around implants, and cause peri-implantitis, inflamed gums, bad breath, or even implant failure. Keeping the area beneath your implants clean avoids:
- The accumulation of plaque and gum disease.
- Loss of bone surrounding the implant.
- Food particles stuck in the mouth can create bad breath.
- Problems that can necessitate expensive medical care.
Crucial Tools To Clean Under Full Dental Implants
You’ll need the proper equipment to clean beneath full dental implants in Dublin. What works best is as follows:
- An electric or ordinary toothbrush made specifically for implants helps get rid of plaque without causing gum damage.
- Tiny interdental brushes clean spaces that a toothbrush cannot reach, such as under and between implants.
- An essential tool for implant maintenance is a water flosser, often known as an oral irrigator. To remove germs from beneath the implant bridge, a water jet is used.
- Steer clear of grainy or non-abrasive toothpaste that can irritate the gums and scratch implants.
- Mouthwash without alcohol helps in bacterial reduction without drying the mouth.
Detailed Instructions for Cleaning Under Full Dental Implants
1. Brush Thoroughly (Twice a Day)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Brush all surfaces of your implants, paying extra attention to the gum line.
- Use circular motions to remove plaque effectively.
2. Clean Between Implants with an Interdental Brush
- Insert the interdental brush under the implant bridge to remove hidden food particles.
- Gently move it back and forth without forcing it to prevent damage and support your oral health.
3. Use a Water Flosser Daily
- Aim the water flosser tip under the implant bridge and along the gumline.
- Use low to medium pressure to prevent gum irritation.
- This step removes 99% of plaque and bacteria that brushing alone can’t reach.
4. Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash
- Swish for 30–60 seconds to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Choose alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out the gums.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
- Visit a dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings.
- They’ll check for any early signs of infection or implant issues.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid
- Skipping daily cleaning – Plaque accumulates quickly on implants!
- Using hard-bristle brushes – They can damage implants and irritate gums.
- Ignoring bad breath or gum redness – Signs of potential implant infection.
- Relying only on mouthwash – It’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Keep Your Implants Healthy for Life
Proper cleaning is the secret to making your full dental implants last a lifetime. By using the right tools & techniques, you can prevent gum disease, bad breath, and other complications. Schedule regular dental checkups to our dentist and keep a healthy smile for a long time.