Important areas to clean:
- Your implant-supported tooth, above and below the gum line.
- In between your neighbouring teeth.
Step-by-step guide
1. Toothbrush
It may be necessary to modify the brush for the inner side of the teeth and hard-to-reach areas. A power brush can be a good alternative and an easy-to-handle complement. If you have a bridge, make sure to clean under the bridge.
2. End-tufted brush
A soft end-tufted brush (interspace brush) is suitable for hard-to-reach areas around your implant-supported tooth or the lingual surfaces (inner side of teeth) and around the implant posts facial side (outer side) of your implant-supported teeth.
3. Interdental brush
An interdental brush is very effective at cleaning the sides of the implant-supported tooth, crown, abutment posts and the surface under the bridge. Use the brush with a gentle back-and-forth stroke, pressing it against the side of the implant-supported tooth or abutment posts.
The brush size is essential and should not be too small, decreasing the cleaning effect, or too big, causing discomfort when brushing. Speak to your dental hygienist for advice on the technique, size and shape for your interdental brush. It is important that you never use toothpaste in combination with the interdental brush.
4. Floss
In narrow areas between teeth, where the interdental brush is hard to use, floss is recommended. Clean the sides of your implant-supported tooth and abutment posts by passing floss (thick floss) back and forth between the implant tooth and the neighbouring teeth, or through the space next to the abutment posts. You can clean the bridge adjacent to the gumline using a gentle sideways stroke.
