Should I Floss Around My Dental Implant?

Some of our patients assume they don’t need to floss around dental implants because the replacement tooth or teeth are not “real.” But that’s not true.

The gum tissue and teeth surrounding your dental implants require the same kind of regular hygiene maintenance as your natural teeth in order to remove trapped food particles that lead to plaque build-up. Without cleaning properly, you can experience bad breath and potentially gum disease. Although the implant restoration won’t decay, the area can develop bacteria (plaque) which can inflame the gum tissue, resulting in implant bone loss and failure, a condition called peri-implantitis, which is an inflammation around the implant.

Drs. Fava and Levine, as well as our dental hygienists, will help demonstrate how to floss to get rid of the bacteria. You may require a floss threader to tackle plaque around implant-supported bridges. We’re here to help show you exactly what to do.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) only 16% of individuals surveyed in 2017 actual floss their teeth, even though we know that flossing is very important when it comes to fighting tooth decay and gum disease. Most of us develop good daily habits for brushing. It’s important to add flossing to your daily routine so that the ritual becomes second nature to you.

Your dental implants are strong and designed to last a lifetime. By selecting this tooth replacement option, you will have made a great investment in your oral and overall health. Cleaning around your implants will help make sure your investment is protected.