By opting for tooth implants, you’ve invested in your smile, confidence, and long-term health. Now, you need to make sure you protect that investment.
That’s where Bayshore Family Dental comes in. We’re here to support you after getting dental implants in Dunedin. Part of that is putting together the best kit for taking care of your smile. Below, we’ve compiled a list of six top-notch products that will keep your implants clean, your gums healthy, and your smile shining as brightly as it deserves.
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush
A toothbrush is just a toothbrush, right? Actually, they’re not all the same. In fact, we recommend that most patients, with or without implants, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can do more harm than good with a firm brush, causing irritation or damage. After getting dental implants, you should prioritize gentle cleaning along the gum line and around the implant.
If you aren’t sure you can get a thorough clean with a manual brush, an electric toothbrush with oscillating or sonic motions may be a good choice for you. These toothbrushes help reach tricky areas around the implant, ensuring plaque doesn’t accumulate and harden into tartar.
Pro Tip
Choose a toothbrush head with compact bristles to access those hard-to-reach spots around the implants for optimal cleaning.
2. Find Floss Designed for Implants
Flossing is just as crucial for implants as it is for natural teeth, but regular floss or flossers may not always do the trick. Traditional floss may shred and leave small pieces stuck around your implant, while flossers might not be thorough enough.
Some tools that could help you floss with dental implants in Dunedin:
- Threaders: These tools help you get the floss in tight spaces to clean your implants.
- Water Flossers: Avoid floss altogether and use these to clean your implants with water.
- Interdental Brush: These help you get a more thorough clean between your implants.
Pro Tip
Avoid yanking floss up or down from between your teeth when you’re done cleaning; this could dislodge your crown or bridge. You can pull the length of floss through the space instead of out.
3. Invest in a Nightguard
While dental implants are incredibly durable, the crowns or bridges on top are not invincible. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night (a condition known as bruxism), you’re putting unnecessary pressure on those restorations. Over time, this could lead to cracks, chips, or even damage to the underlying implant structure.
A custom-fitted night guard from Bayshore Family Dental can protect both your restorations and your natural teeth from excessive force. Made by our Dunedin dentist, these night guards are designed to fit securely and provide a comfortable barrier.
Pro Tip
If you suspect you grind your teeth but aren’t sure—after all, it often happens during sleep—speak to our dentist. We can identify the signs of grinding or clenching and provide a night guard tailored to your needs.
4. Use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash is an excellent way to keep your mouth fresh and healthy, but not all mouthwashes are implant-friendly. Alcohol-based rinses can dry out the tissues in your mouth, increasing the risk of irritation. Instead, opt for an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash to promote gum health and reduce bacteria around your implant.
When in doubt, you can always look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. You can also ask us for recommendations following your procedure for dental implants in Dunedin.
Pro Tip
Swish with mouthwash after flossing and before brushing. Flossing can dislodge small particles, rinsing can then wash them away, and brushing provides a final, thorough clean.
5. Utilize Tools to Quit Smoking
If you use tobacco products, quitting is one of the most impactful things you can do for the success of your implants. Smoking and other tobacco use interferes with the healing process after implant placement and increases the risk of gum disease, which can jeopardize the stability of your implants. In fact, one 2021 study found that smokers’ risk of implant failure was 140% higher.
Consider using tools like:
- Nicotine Patches
- Nicotine Gum
- Quitting Apps
- Support Groups
Pro Tip
Our dentist can be an excellent ally in your efforts to curb tobacco use. We’re familiar with how smoking and similar habits can affect dental implants in Dunedin, so we can offer tailored advice and encouragement and even direct you to cessation programs that suit your needs.
6. Take Advantage of Reminder Apps
While many of us have the best intentions when it comes to our oral health, life can get busy. It’s easy to forget to follow through with routines. This is where technology can come in handy.
Apps and your phone’s built-in features can help keep you on track with your dental hygiene habits following your Dunedin dental implant procedure. Consistency is key in building any habit, and post-op care routines are no exception.
Pro Tip
Set a daily reminder on your phone or smartwatch to floss, rinse, and brush for optimal implant care. It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference.
Get Lifetime Care for Your Smile
Looking for more tailored advice or a curated list of recommended dental care products? Reach out to the Bayshore Family Dental. We don’t just fix your smile—we’re here to help you maintain your dental implants in Dunedin for the rest of your life. Get started with personalized support today.
