Congratulations on your dental implant treatment! With your new teeth firmly set in your smile, you’ll be able to enjoy a lifetime of improved oral function – and compliments. That is, you will as long as you take good care of your oral health.
Your dental replacements might be inorganic, but they still require maintenance and an optimal environment for peak performance. Flossing is an important piece of the puzzle, and if you’d like to learn more, just keep reading.
Remove Uncomfortable Debris
You know how when you eat popcorn, those pesky kernels can get trapped between your teeth? Sometimes, no amount of squeezing your nail into the narrow gap can dislodge the debris. Besides, this method also risks accidentally cutting your gumline.
This type of debris build up isn’t always so obvious. It can happen on a microscopic level, too. But in either case, you’re likely to experience discomfort from the pressure being exerted on your pearly whites. That’s what floss is for. Run the thread between your teeth every day, and you’ll notice a difference in how your smile feels!
Prevent Gum Disease and Infection
Food particles aren’t the only thing that can get stuck between your teeth – and implants. Bacteria can slip in the cracks just as easily. Let these unwelcome guests accumulate and grow without mitigation, and you could very well end up with a case of gum disease or oral infection. As these conditions wreak havoc in your mouth, your gums and natural teeth could weaken, ultimately leading to implant failure. So don’t skip out on a quick floss!
Flossing with Thread
When you floss using traditional thread, you’ll get the best bacteria-busting results by following these tips:
- Be careful, especially around an implant
- Thread the floss between your teeth
- Form a “c” shape by pulling the floss towards the right and left
- Wiggly the thread up and down as you maintain this shape
- Gently pull the thread free
Basically, the idea is to floss the sides of your teeth as well for thorough cleaning.
Flossing with An Oral Irrigator
Oral irrigators, or “water flossers,” spray a gentle stream of water to force bacteria and food particles loose. If you use one of these instead of classic thread, follow these tips instead:
- Point the stream towards your gumline
- Briefly pause between each tooth
- Move from the back of your mouth and work towards the front
- Angle the stream to get the front and back-facing portions of your teeth
When you finish your oral hygiene routine with a good flossing, take a moment to flash yourself a wide smile in the mirror. You deserve a moment of triumph after all that hard work!
About the Author
After earning his dental degree, Dr. Joshua Hong wanted to learn everything he could from the best of the best. He went on to attend the Foundation of Advanced Continuing Education for post-graduate work, and became skilled in a number of dental treatments, such as full mouth reconstruction. If you’re interested in dental implants or would like more care tips, Dr. Hong would be happy to lend his expertise! To contact his office, call 623-925-8822.