(386) 734-8585
Dental implants are a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper care, they can last for decades—sometimes even a lifetime. But to get the most out of your investment, you’ll need to treat your implants with the same (or more) care as your natural teeth.
One of the most important habits for protecting implants is daily flossing. Neglecting this simple step can increase your risk of infection and compromise your implant’s stability.
Why Flossing Dental Implants Is Essential
Unlike natural teeth, implants don’t have the same protective periodontal ligaments. Instead, they rely on the surrounding bone and gum tissue for support. When bacteria and food particles build up around the implant, they can cause inflammation and infection, a condition known as peri-implantitis. Left untreated, this infection can weaken the bone around the implant and ultimately cause implant failure.
Flossing helps remove debris and bacteria that your toothbrush may not reach, especially around the gumline and between the implant and neighboring teeth. It’s a small daily habit that makes a big difference in protecting your oral health.
Best Techniques for Flossing Dental Implants
Use Implant-Safe Floss
Not all dental floss is suitable for implants. Traditional waxed floss may shred or leave fibers behind, which can irritate the gum tissue. Instead, look for implant-specific floss, such as unwaxed tape floss, spongy floss, or floss threaders designed to clean around implant posts and bridges.
Try Floss Threaders
If you have multiple implants, bridges, or implant-supported dentures, floss threaders can make cleaning much easier. These tools help you guide the floss under the dental work so you can sweep away plaque and food debris effectively.
Use a Gentle Motion
When flossing around implants, avoid snapping the floss between the gum and the implant crown. Instead, slide the floss gently and move it in a C-shape around the implant. This allows you to clean the sides thoroughly without damaging the gum tissue.
Consider Water Flossers
Water flossers can be an excellent supplement to traditional flossing. They use a steady stream of water to flush out plaque and food particles around implants and between teeth. Many dentists recommend combining water flossing with implant-specific floss for the best results.
Don’t Skip Daily Cleaning
Consistency is key. Even if you brush twice a day, skipping flossing can leave bacteria behind in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing only takes a few minutes, but it significantly reduces your risk of infection and helps keep your implant healthy.
What Happens If You Don’t Floss Implants?
Failing to floss dental implants increases the likelihood of gum irritation, bleeding, and peri-implantitis. Over time, bone loss may occur, threatening the stability of the implant. Since implants represent both a health investment and a financial one, protecting them through good oral hygiene is essential.
Flossing your implants daily is a small step that ensures your smile stays strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.
About the Practice
Dr. Christopher Cowell is dedicated to helping patients protect their smiles with comprehensive care, including dental implant treatment and maintenance. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance on how to keep implants healthy for life.
Call us at (386) 734-8585 or request an appointment online.