Do I need to change my flossing technique for an implant?
Before you got a tooth implant, hopefully, you were brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. If you wear dentures, you should have been cleaning them with a denture paste and brushing the soft tissues in your mouth.
A tooth implant requires brushing and flossing as well. This area is especially prone to plaque and inflammation if not cleaned regularly. The flossing protocol for your tooth implant is a bit different.
Criss-Cross Shoe Shine
Insert the floss behind the implant and bring both ends through to the front. Cross the strings, and switch hands so your hands aren’t crossed. Now move in a shoe-shine motion to clean all around the implant.
Some individuals prefer tape-style floss over the standard type.
Gentle and Thorough
When brushing, use a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste. Too-forceful brushing can damage the soft tissues in your mouth and lead to gum recession.
Manual, Electric, or Sonic Brush?
You can use a manual brush, electric, or sonic type. If it is hard for you to brush with a manual brush, try an electric or sonic style.
Some patients are advised to use an interproximal brush to clean around the implant area.
You may also be prescribed an antimicrobial mouth rinse. This is a measure of protection if you have diminished mobility or are susceptible to inflammation.
Contact Montz and Maher Dental Group:
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas 77581
Pearland Phone: 281-485-48291769 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste 107
Friendswood, TX 77546
Friendswood Phone: 281-482-1275
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