Dental Hygiene Tips for Implants, Bridges, and Dentures
Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are all popular ways to replace missing teeth. Proper maintenance of your new teeth will go a long way to helping them last longer. Learn how to keep your replacement teeth clean and healthy from the Madison area dentistry experts of Total Care Dental.
Cleaning Implants (including Four Life Changing Implants)
Dental implants of all types should be cleaned just like your natural teeth. Twice daily brushing, flossing and optional mouthwash will keep your mouth healthy and fresh. Pay special attention to the base of the tooth where the implant meets the gums. Use extra caution for the first few weeks after implantation.
While your new implant won’t decay like a natural tooth, stains can still occur. You should brush your teeth thoroughly after consuming items like:
- Acidic foods
- Carbonated or alcoholic beverages
- Smoking
Complications of Cleaning Implants
Implants often replace teeth that were crooked, loose or damaged. New implants are designed to perfectly fit in your mouth where the old tooth was. As a result, flossing may be difficult if the new tooth is tight against nearby teeth. Special water floss tools can be used to clean between teeth that normal flossing can’t reach.
Cleaning Bridges
Bridges are similar to dental implants where they stay in the mouth at all times. Cleaning the new crowns involves the same procedure of regular brushing and flossing. The bridge material holding the crowns in place may require additional cleaning.
Complications of Cleaning Bridges
The underside of the bridge can sometimes accumulate germs and food particles. Our dentists will show you the proper cleaning technique for your dental bridge. There are special dental tools designed to get under and around bridges for thorough cleaning.
Cleaning Dentures
Dentures, unlike implants, can and should be removed from the mouth for cleaning. There are many products designed to make denture cleaning easy. The teeth can be brushed and flossed while still in the mouth or after being removed. Like bridges, the base of the dentures will need to be sanitized.
Complications of Cleaning Dentures
Dentures need to be soaked in a cleaning solution each night to kill bacteria that can get between the dentures and the gums. Just brushing and flossing can miss bacteria hiding beneath, leading to bad breath and decay. The cleaning process usually takes a few hours for the best results. You will have to plan when to sanitize your dentures for a time you will not need to eat or speak. For most people, this means soaking their dentures when they go to bed.
Replacement Teeth Cleaning in Madison
Taking care of your new teeth can be difficult on your own. To ensure your implants, bridges or dentures stay clean, visit Total Care Dental at least twice a year for preventative checkups. Our dentists and dental hygienists will check the health of your natural and artificial teeth. You’ll leave knowing your replacement teeth are clean and healthy.
Contact Total Care Dental for information on caring for your oral health or to schedule an appointment at our Madison, WI offices.
