1. How do I care for my dental implants?

Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply.

2. What kinds of oral care products should I use?

Here are some guidelines for choosing dental care products-what works for most patients most of the time. To find out what is best for your particular needs, talk to your periodontist.

• Begin with the right equipment-a soft bristled toothbrush that allows you to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent of frayed, buy a new one. A worn-out brush will not clean your teeth properly.

• In addition to manual toothbrushes, your choices include automatic toothbrushes and "high tech" electronic toothbrushes. These are safe and effective for the majority of patients.

• Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will not remove plaque from your teeth unless used in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

• Another aid is the rubber tip, often found on the handle end of a toothbrush used to massages the gums after brushing and flossing.

• Other options include interproximal toothbrushes (tiny brushes that clean plaque between teeth) and interdental cleaners (small sticks or picks that remove plaque between teeth). If used improperly, these dental aids can injure the gums, so it is important to discuss proper use with your periodontist.

3. How should I choose toothpaste and mouth rinses?

Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse used in conjunction with brushing and flossing can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. So, using products with fluoride is a good idea. However, mouth rinses are not recommended for children under six. Children should use only pea-size dab of fluoride toothpaste on the brush to avoid fluoride overdosing. Tartar control toothpaste will reduce tartar (a buildup of hardened plaque) above the gum line. Anti-plaque rinses approved by the American Dental Association contain chemical agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. These rinses can be a helpful addition to brushing and flossing.

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