Do You Need to Brush and Floss Dental Implants?

Posted on 2/3/2025 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center

Smiling woman holding dental floss in her hands and demonstrating a proper flossing technique against a plain background.

Dental implants are a fantastic option for replacing missing teeth. They look and function just like natural teeth, and with proper care, can last a lifetime. But even though they're not your real teeth, they still require daily care just like the rest of your smile. Here's what you need to know about brushing and flossing your dental implants.

Brushing

Brushing your dental implants twice a day is just as important as brushing your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth and can lead to gum disease and other problems.

Here are some tips for brushing your dental implants:

•	Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage the surface of your implants.
•	Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay.
•	Brush gently. Don't scrub too hard, as this can irritate your gums.
•	Be sure to brush the top, bottom, and sides of your implants.

Flossing

Flossing your dental implants is just as important as brushing. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and under your gum line, where your toothbrush can't reach. This helps to prevent gum disease and other problems.

Here are some tips for flossing your dental implants:

•	Use a floss threader. This will help you get the floss under your implant bridge or crown.
•	Use a gentle sawing motion. Don't snap the floss, as this can damage your implants.
•	Be sure to floss between all of your teeth, including your implants.

Other Oral Care Tips

In addition to brushing and flossing, there are a few other things you can do to keep your dental implants healthy:

•	See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will be able to check your implants for any problems and clean them thoroughly.
•	Use an antiseptic mouthwash. This will help to kill bacteria in your mouth.
•	Avoid smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of gum disease and other problems.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dental implants is important for keeping them healthy and looking their best. By brushing and flossing regularly, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups, you can help ensure that your implants will last for many years to come. If you have any questions about caring for your dental implants, be sure to ask your dentist.

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The surgical specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training beyond dental school.

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Dental Blog | Livermore & Tracy CA | Michael Beckley DDS
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Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center, 1133 E Stanley Blvd #215, Livermore, CA 94550, 925-290-7727, pacificofs.com, 3/14/2025, Related Phrases: oral surgeon Livermore,