How to Prevent Plaque Buildup on Dental Implants
Posted on December 16, 2024
When you choose dental implants in Oshawa over alternative tooth replacement options such as bridges and dentures, you’re investing in the future of your smile and your health. For those who are challenged by missing teeth and severe gum disease, dental implants offer a way for you to restore the aesthetics of your smile and the functionality of your teeth so you can eat better and live better. To ensure your dental implants last, periodontists recommend that you care for them diligently, similar to a strong oral routine. Similar to natural teeth, plaque and tartar buildup can affect your dental implants if you don’t practice good dental hygiene and check in with your local periodontist in Oshawa. At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon and our team of experts provide personalized guidance and tips so you can ensure that you experience the benefit of your dental implants in the long run.
Understanding Dental Implants and Plaque
A dental implant is essentially a surgical-grade titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, serving as a root for the artificial tooth or crown that is placed on top. Just like natural teeth, the area around dental implants can accumulate plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar if not removed regularly. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can cause inflammation of the surrounding gums (peri-implantitis), which is similar to the gum disease that affects natural teeth. However, you can prevent peri-implantitis and the accumulation of plaque with oral care at home and check-ins with your dentist and periodontist in Oshawa.
Here’s what you can do to prevent plaque and tartar buildup from interfering with your dental implants.
Regular and Proper Brushing
The first line of defence against plaque buildup on dental implants is regular and proper brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently clean around the implants at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth and implants after meals helps to remove any food particles and bacteria that have accumulated throughout the day. Gently focus on the gumline, where plaque is most likely to start forming. This area requires careful attention because the health of the gums plays a critical role in the stability of dental implants.
Daily Flossing
Flossing is known to be tricky, but it is an essential step in your implant care routine. Flossing once a day helps to remove plaque and debris that brushing alone may not reach, particularly between the dental implants and adjacent teeth. Traditional string floss can be effective, but many patients find it challenging to use around implants, so some periodontists in Oshawa recommend using water flossers, which can be gentler and equally effective at removing plaque between the teeth and around the implant sites. For the best flossing technique for your implants and gums, talk to Dr. Adam Ohayon, a reputable periodontist in Oshawa.
Regular Professional Cleanings
Visiting a periodontist in Oshawa for regular cleanings and check-ups is vital for the long-term success of dental implants. Professional cleaning involves specialized tools that clean areas that are difficult to reach with home brushing and flossing. Additionally, your periodontist in Oshawa can monitor the health of your implants, check for signs of gum disease, and provide guidance tailored to your specific dental needs. At The Perio Centre, we offer periodontal therapy and hygiene, which includes scaling, root planing and more.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is harmful to oral health, particularly for those with dental implants. The chemicals in tobacco can interfere with the healing process of the gums and affect the bone structure supporting the implants. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis, which can lead to the failure of dental implants. Quitting smoking is a significant step toward ensuring the longevity of your dental implants and maintaining overall oral health.
Use Antimicrobial Mouthwashes
Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine can provide an additional layer of protection against plaque. Mouthwashes help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, decreasing the risk of plaque formation. Look for alcohol-free formulas that are specifically designed for use with dental implants to avoid irritation and dryness of the mouth. Your periodontist will make recommendations on additions you can make to your oral care routine to maximize the results. Book a consultation with The Perio Centre to learn more.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a crucial role in the health of your dental implants. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates can contribute to plaque formation and gum disease. To support the health of your dental implants, periodontists recommend maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which can help reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth.
Preserve Your Dental Implants with Trusted Periodontists in Oshawa
Preventative care can get you more out of your dental implants. To learn more about what to expect when you replace missing teeth with high-quality implants, book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon and The Perio Centre team.