Oral hygiene plays a crucial role in the long-term success of dental implants. A good routine can prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating along the gumline and leading to a serious infection. Therefore, you should have a diligent brushing routine. But what about flossing? Is that still important when you have dental implants? How can you do it in a safe and effective way? This blog post shares what you should know.
Benefits and Risks of Flossing with Dental Implants
A toothbrush can only reach about 60% of your tooth’s surfaces, so it is important to use another tool to clean those tight interdental spaces. Without a thorough cleaning routine, you may find that you start to experience bad breath and gum irritation. A long-term lack of oral hygiene could even lead to peri-implantitis, a dangerous infection that can cause dental implant failure. Flossing can reduce such risks and keep your smile clean and fresh.
However, there is a caution to keep in mind. If you use improper flossing technique — for example, if you aggressively snap the floss between your teeth — you could damage the delicate peri-implant seal. This is a barrier around an implant that protects the underlying jawbone. Since this area does not have nerve endings, you might not even be aware that you damaged the seal!
How to Floss Safely and Effectively with Dental Implants
In order to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of flossing around dental implants, it is important to use gentle, controlled techniques rather than force. Guide the floss carefully between the teeth, curve it along the side of the implant crown, and take care not to go deep into the gumline.
If standard floss feels awkward, ask about implant-specific floss, soft interdental brushes, or a water flosser. These alternative tools tend to be gentler but can still provide significant oral hygiene benefits. Interdental brushes and a water flosser can even be useful for cleaning beneath an implant bridge that is replacing multiple teeth in a row.
If you have questions about proper flossing technique or the tools you should use to maintain a clean mouth, talk to your general dentist or the oral surgeon who placed your implants. They can demonstrate cleanings techniques, recommend products, and help you design a routine that keeps your smile healthy and clean for the long run.
Meet the Practice
Our Katy practice is home to four highly skilled oral surgeons who have decades of combined experience. Dr. Steve Koo has even been recognized as a Texas Super Dentist in the past. If you have questions about dental implants and how to maintain them, we would be happy to speak to you. To request an appointment or learn more about our services, contact our office at 832-353-1100.