As a complete replacement for the tooth-and-root system, dental implants can provide you with a beautiful, fully-functional smile for a lifetime. But while these prosthetics may be made out of artificial materials, oral bacteria can still accumulate on the surface and cause infection. In advanced cases, infections can spread and cause the devices to become dislodged. That’s why Dr. Richard A. Brunmeier, DDS strongly encourages patients to properly care for their implants. To help you preserve your smile, this Lincoln, NE dentist highlights a few oral hygiene tips for dental implants.  

How to Keep Dental Implants in Good Condition

Brush Twice Daily

Just as with your natural teeth, dental implants should be brushed at least twice a day to remove plaque and food debris. To avoid damaging the prosthetics, use a minimally-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Floss At Least Once a Day

Flossing at least once a day is critical to removing oral bacteria and other buildup found in between teeth. While most can clean these spaces with standard dental floss, you can also remove debris using an interdental brush or irrigator device.

Rinse With Mouthwash

Although brushing and flossing do most of the work, rinsing with mouthwash can help kill remaining oral bacteria in the mouth. To keep your implants as clean as possible—and your breath fresh—rinse with mouthwash daily.

Schedule Regular Teeth Cleanings

In addition to at-home care, you should visit your dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning. This routine appointment will help remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be eliminated through normal brushing and flossing. It also provides your dentist with a chance to examine the health of the implants and resolve any potential problems early on.

Address Issues Immediately

With proper care, dental implants shouldn’t experience many problems. However, if you notice that the implant becomes loose, broken, or painful, it’s a good idea to have a dentist assess your oral health. In many cases, small issues can be resolved through simple treatment before they advance into more serious and costly problems.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ways that dental implants could improve your oral health, Dr. Richard A. Brunmeier, DDS can help. Practicing advanced general and cosmetic dentistry in the Lancaster County area, this provider will guide you through every step of the implantation process in a comfortable, easy-to-understand fashion. If these prosthetics aren’t right for you, Dr. Brunmeier can also introduce you to other restorative solutions, such as dental bridges, crowns, veneers, and dentures. For more information about these services, visit the clinic online. To schedule a convenient appointment in Lincoln, NE, call (402) 484-6644.