Implant oral

You need to make sure that the gums around the implants stay healthy and there’s no plaque building up around the implants, the parts attached to them and your natural teeth.

To do this, you have to keep your mouth clean and get rid of any food particles, harmful bacteria and the substances they produce.

If you don’t remove them, these bacterial substances can cause inflammation in your gums and even damage the bone around the implant. This condition is known as gingivitis and peri-implantitis and one sign of it is bleeding gums.

Hygiene protocol

A mouth free of plaque is not only beneficial to your oral environment, but also to your body. Studies have proven that dental bacteria can have a negative effect on your overall health.

~ Below various hygiene options are described – hover over each image to read more on the protocol ~

Manual toothbrush

Electric toothbrush

Interdental brush

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Use a regular toothbrush and hold it at a 45° angle against the outer side of your back tooth.

Move the brush in small circles for about ten seconds.

Move on to the next tooth and repeat the same circular brushing motion.

Remember to brush all the surfaces of your teeth, including your tongue.

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An electric toothbrush can be used once the implants are fully integrated. Position the head of the toothbrush on the last tooth in your arch.

Angulate it towards the back, middle and front of the tooth 3 – 4 times per tooth repeatedly, following the curvature of the tooth. Move on to the next tooth and repeat the same procedure.

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Insert the little brush between the base of the prosthesis and the gum.

Move it gently back and forth and from side to side.

Enter from the lip side and then repeat the same procedure from the tongue side.

Floss threader

Superfloss

Dental gauze

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A dental floss threader is a helpful tool for when you have dental bridges, or have difficulty flossing due to tight spaces between your teeth.

Take a piece of dental floss and insert one end through the loop of the dental floss threader.

Move the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth, making sure to clean the area beneath the gumline. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria.

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Dental Superfloss is a specialised dental floss that combines different components to help clean teeth when you have an implant.

It typically consists of three parts: a stiffened end, spongy floss, and regular floss.

As you clean, the spongy floss will compress and thin out, allowing you to glide it through the gap or around your teeth more easily.

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This floss is perfect for individuals with wide gaps between their teeth.

Its wide gauze design allows for effective cleaning underneath bars and around the back teeth.

It is particularly beneficial for patients who wear partial dentures, as its coarse texture easily removes plaque and provides exceptional cleaning.

Familiarise yourself with the position of your implants in relation to your prosthesis.

It is crucial that the base of the prosthesis and the gum is kept free of plaque.

X-Floss, Superfloss or G.U.M implant floss has a rigid end that is used to thread the floss between the base of the prosthesis and the gum.

Manoeuvre the floss in a see-saw motion, utilising the fluffy part to clean off any plaque. Ensure to clean between every implant.

Oral irrigator

Mouthwash

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Also known as a water flosser or dental water jet. With this device water is squirted under high pressure out of a nozzle.

It is designed to clean between teeth and along the gumline by directing a targeted stream of water into those areas.

The water jet also stimulates the blood flow to the gum, making it more resistant to inflammation.

Oral irrigators are often used as an alternative or complement to traditional dental flossing.

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If your dentist/oral surgeon tells you to use a specific mouthwash, make sure to follow their instructions.

Some mouthwashes you can buy at the store have alcohol in them, which can dry out your mouth.

Because of this, it’s best to only use them for a short time.

The best way to get rid of plaque and keep your mouth clean is by brushing and flossing correctly.