Implants
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, especially if you have dental implants. The use of interdental brushes is an effective tool for cleaning the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and around implants. Incorporating interdental cleaning into your daily routine helps prevent peri-implantitis and ensures the longevity of your implants. In this guide, we show you step-by-step how to use interdental brushes to keep your dental implants spotless.
Steps to Clean Your Implants with Interdental Brushes:
- Choose the right size interdental brush: The oral health care professional will indicate the correct size of the interdental brush for you.
- Insert the brush carefully: Gently insert the interdental brush between your teeth, focusing on the spaces around the implant. Make sure not to apply too much force to avoid damaging your gums or the implant.
- Move the brush back and forth: With gentle movements, clean each interdental space by moving the brush back and forth several times. Ensure thorough cleaning along the gum line.
- Rinse the brush frequently: After each use, rinse the interdental brush under running water to remove debris and plaque and keep it clean.
- Clean around the implant: Move the interdental brush back and forth, ensuring you clean both the gumline and the implant surface. Make sure the bristles pass underneath the crown of the implant. Repeat this motion in each interdental space to remove any food debris and plaque.
- Don’t forget removable components: If you have any removable parts associated with your implants, such as overdentures, take them out before cleaning. Use the interdental brush to clean all the areas around where these components sit. Also, make sure to clean the removable parts according to your dentist’s instructions.
- Complete your hygiene routine: After using the interdental brush, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to effectively use interdental brushes to maintain both your natural teeth and your dental implants clean and healthy. Remember, interdental cleaning helps prevent peri-implant diseases and keeps the tissues around implants in good condition, reducing complications.