Caring for dental implants
implant care · how to clean implants · implant hygiene
An implant cannot get cavities, but the gum around it can become inflamed. Here is how to care for it every day.
For everyone who has dental implants - with a crown, bridge or denture.
⏱ Duration: usually 3 to 5 minutes morning and evening
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Toothbrush. A soft brush, sometimes a single-tuft brush for the area near the gum.
- Between teeth. Interdental brushes, special floss or a water flosser. Your dentist will tell you what suits you.
- Toothpaste. Ordinary toothpaste without strong abrasives.
What to bring
- A soft toothbrush
- Interdental brushes or floss
- A water flosser, if your dentist advised it
How it goes
- Brush your teeth and the implant crown with a soft brush
- Pay attention to the place where the crown meets the gum
- Pass an interdental brush between the implant and the neighboring teeth
- Under a bridge or denture, use floss or a water flosser
- Rinse your mouth
What you'll feel
- Cleaning should not hurt
- A little blood in the first days is common - if it does not stop, see your dentist
Afterwards
- Professional cleaning at the dentist follows your dentist's schedule, usually once or twice a year
- Do not bite hard things: nuts, ice
- If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard
- Smoking harms implants
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Pus, swelling or pain around the implant
- The crown or implant is loose - book a visit with your dentist
Common questions
How long does an implant last?
Usually many years. What matters is care at home and regular check-ups.
Can I use an electric toothbrush?
Usually yes, with a soft head.