Daily Dental Implant Care Routine

Just like your natural teeth, dental implants thrive on a solid daily care routine. 

While implants do not decay like natural teeth, the gum tissue and bone around them can still become infected and inflamed if plaque and bacteria are not kept in check. Left untreated, this can lead to peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease that can threaten the stability of your implant.

That is why good oral hygiene is essential to protect your implant and support your overall oral health. Here is what your daily dental implant care routine should include.

Brush Twice a Day

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) to clean around your dental implant at least twice a day. Be sure to brush all sides of the implant crown, as well as your other teeth and along the gumline. A non-abrasive toothpaste is best to avoid scratching the implant surface or irritating your gums. 

For enhanced cleaning, consider using an interdental brush. These small brushes are perfect for cleaning tight spaces around your dental implants.

Floss Daily, Even Around Your Implant

Flossing is just as important for implants as it is for natural teeth. Use a water flosser or floss specifically designed for dental implants to clean between the implant and surrounding teeth. Water flossers are also a great tool for reaching tricky areas and gently flushing out debris.

These tools help remove plaque and food debris while being gentle on the surrounding soft tissue.

Use Antibacterial Mouth Rinse

An alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth and protect the soft tissue around your implant. Our dentist may recommend a specific rinse based on your needs, especially if you are recovering from implant surgery or are prone to gum sensitivity.

Stick to a Routine

Make oral hygiene part of your daily habits, morning and night, to keep your implants (and your whole mouth) in excellent shape.

Remember, dental implants may not get cavities, but they still need your attention to keep functioning beautifully for life.

Foods & Habits That Can Harm Your Implants

Dental implants are crafted from highly durable, biocompatible materials, most commonly titanium for the post that integrates with your jawbone, and ceramic or porcelain for the visible crown that mimics a natural tooth. 

These materials are chosen for their strength, longevity, and ability to withstand daily wear. While the implants themselves are highly resistant to breakage and decay, they are not invincible.

Here are some foods and habits to avoid damage and ensure your implant stays healthy for the long run.

Hard & Sticky Foods

Dental implants are strong, but the crown that sits on top is not unbreakable. It can chip, loosen, or wear down under repeated pressure.

Biting into hard foods can create pressure on the crown and damage it over time. Similarly, sticky foods like caramel or taffy can pull at the crown and increase plaque buildup around the gums.

To protect your teeth, minimize the consumption of the following:

• Ice cubes (never chew on ice)

• Hard candies 

• Popcorn (especially unpopped kernels)

• Sticky candies like taffy, caramel, or gummy bears

Smoking & Tobacco Use

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dental implant failure. It restricts blood flow to the gums, delays healing after surgery, and increases the risk of infection and bone loss around the implant.

Even smokeless tobacco can irritate gum tissue and compromise implant stability over time. 

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Habitual grinding or clenching of your teeth, especially at night, can put excessive pressure on your implant, causing:

• Micro-fractures in the implant crown

• Loosening of the implant screw

• Gum irritation and soreness

Many people grind their teeth without realizing it. If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, talk to our dentist at Dental Arts of Cherry Hills. 

We can provide a custom night guard to help protect your implant and prevent further wear on your teeth.

Checklist for New Dental Implant Patients

Here is your go-to checklist to help you take care of your new implant from day one.

1. Follow a Gentle Cleaning Routine

Start by gently brushing around the implant crown, gumline, and surrounding teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your implant might feel slightly different in the first few days, but this is completely normal! With time and regular cleaning, it will start to feel like a natural part of your mouth.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

Your teeth need proper nutrition to stay healthy and strong. A balanced diet that's rich in vitamins and minerals supports healing, strengthens your immune system, and promotes long-term implant success. Focus on foods high in:

• Calcium - Milk, yogurt, leafy greens

• Vitamin C - Citrus fruits, bell peppers

• Lean proteins - Fish, eggs, poultry

• Fiber - Whole grains, fruits, vegetables

Initially, stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t stress the implant site. This gives your gum tissue time to adjust and reduces the risk of discomfort or irritation. 

Great options include smoothies, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and cooked veggies. Once your implant settles, transition to a balanced nutrient-rich diet.

3. Avoid Problematic Habits

Even though your dental implant is made from durable materials, it still needs protection from harmful habits that could compromise its stability. Avoid:

• Using your implant or any teeth to open bottles or packages

• Chewing ice, hard candy, or non-food objects

• Clenching or grinding your teeth

4. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Regular professional cleanings and checkups are important to maintain healthy dental implants. At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we provide ongoing care and maintenance for your implants. Our team provides regular dental cleanings and thorough exams to monitor the health of your implant. 

These visits are a key part of preventing complications and keeping your smile in great shape for the long run. We recommend visiting us every six months, or as advised by Dr. Kostas, for cleanings and exams.

5. Watch for Unusual Symptoms

Even well-placed dental implants can develop issues if not properly monitored. Contact us if you notice any of the following:

• Swelling, redness, or bleeding around the implant site

• Persistent pain or sensitivity

• A feeling of movement in the implant or looseness in the crown

• Unpleasant taste or odor coming from the implant area

Restore your Smile with Dental Implants

Dental implants are an investment in your health, confidence, and quality of life. With the right care, they can offer a lifetime of strong, beautiful smiles.

At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we provide expert restorative dental treatments, including dental implant surgery performed with precision and care.

Our team will guide you through every stage of the implant process, from your initial consultation and implant placement to the final crown and beyond. We also provide personalized guidance to help you maintain your implants for years to come.

To schedule a consultation, please call us at 720-868-8092 or request an appointment online.