Dental implants stand out as the best tooth replacements. That view is well-deserved, too – these restorations are decay-proof, durable, and can last decades! Still, the fact remains that you should floss between your implant posts daily. Anything less will threaten them and your oral health. As for how to go about this cleaning, your Slidell dentist is here to help. Read on to learn some crucial tips on flossing with dental implants.
Why Do Dental Implants Need Flossing?
Many folks will think it’s odd to floss between dental implants. The posts are artificial – they can’t suffer from cavities. However, failing to floss would put your restored smile at risk.
Remember that dental implants sit next to your natural teeth and gums. If you don’t floss between them, food and plaque can build up and infect nearby areas. The infection could destroy the gum and jaw tissue supporting your implants. This effect would lead to your implant posts failing early.
Given the facts above, dental implants need daily brushing and flossing. Not following these habits will cause you to lose your replacement teeth.
How to Floss with Dental Implants
All in all, flossing with dental implants doesn’t differ much from the usual way. Simply use the following steps:
- Use the Right Amount of Floss – Use a length of dental floss measuring about 18 inches or so. around your fingers in each hand and slide it up and down the sides of your implant(s).
- Slide Up & Down – After wrapping the floss around your fingers in each hand, slide it up and down between each tooth.
- Rub Along the Implant(s) – When flossing by an implant, rub the floss along your restoration’s side to remove built-up bacteria and plaque. You should also move it around the tooth’s base, reaching under it to create a C-shape with the cord.
- Remove & Repeat – Once you’ve flossed between two teeth, gently pull the floss out. You should then repeat the process on other teeth with a clean piece of floss.
Other Ways to Floss Between Dental Implants
Some patients may find traditional floss hard to use with dental implants. In that case, there are some other options you could try.
Many stores now offer great substitutes for regular floss. One of these is the floss threader, a helpful tool that can get your string underneath the implant. Another alternative is the water flosser – a device that uses a high-pressure stream of water. By applying this stream to your smile, you can loosen and dislodge food particles and plaque.
Ultimately, you shouldn’t neglect flossing with dental implants. Consider the tips above and talk to your dental provider for more help.
About the Practice
Camellia City Family Dentistry is based in Slidell, LA. Led by Dr. Steve Tomaszewski, our practice seeks to provide excellent dental care for the whole family. We thus provide preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, including top-notch dental implants. Our office is also proud to offer sedation dentistry for nervous patients and clear aligners that can straighten teeth. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (985)-641-4444.
