Dental implants are a significant long term investment in your oral health — and like any investment, they require diligent maintenance. At Sunna Dental in Birmingham, we emphasize that maintaining your implants is essential for keeping your smile healthy for years to come. In this guide, we explain how to properly clean dental implants, the risks of neglect and practical advice to ensure lasting results.
Why Cleaning Dental Implants is Critical
Dental implants are crafted to function like natural teeth, but unlike natural teeth, they are not self-renewing. If bacteria, plaque and tartar accumulate around the implant, it can lead to peri-implantitis — a serious infection that can cause implant failure.
Without proper cleaning:
- You risk gum inflammation and bone loss.
- The implant’s stability can deteriorate irreversibly.
- Future dental treatment may become more complex and costly.
At Sunna Dental, we don’t sugar-coat reality: an implant can and will fail without the right care.
Daily Cleaning Routine for Dental Implants
1. Brush Twice Daily — Thoroughly, Not Hastily
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your implants. Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended for superior plaque removal.
Key Tip: Angle your brush towards the gumline to disrupt bacteria that collect under the gum margin.
2. Floss Like Your Implant Depends on It — Because It Does
Flossing around an implant is slightly different. Use implant-specific floss or a water flosser to clean areas traditional floss might miss.
- Gently loop the floss around the implant.
- Slide it under the gumline carefully.
- Do not snap or force the floss; this can damage delicate tissues.
3. Use Interdental Brushes and Oral Irrigators
An interdental brush (without metal wire) can clean the hard-to-reach areas between implants and natural teeth. Pair it with an antimicrobial mouth rinse for maximum benefit.
4. Rinse with Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash
Choose an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to protect the tissues around your implant without causing dryness or irritation.
Professional Maintenance: Your Partner in Long-Term Success
At Sunna Dental, we advise professional cleanings at least twice a year — or quarterly for higher-risk patients.
During these visits, we:
- Use specialised tools that do not scratch the implant surface.
- Detect early signs of inflammation or bone loss.
- Provide bespoke advice tailored to your oral hygiene habits.
Skipping professional care jeopardizes the success of your implant — and it’s a compromise your smile can’t afford.
If you’re overdue for a check-up or considering implant cleaning, book your professional dental cleaning with us today.
Signs Your Implant May Need Immediate Attention
If you notice any of the following, contact Sunna Dental immediately:
- Bleeding when brushing around the implant.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- A loose implant.
- Persistent bad breath despite good hygiene.
Delays only worsen the problem and could mean the difference between a simple adjustment and full implant removal.
Secure your implant consultation today if you’re concerned about any symptoms.
Future-Proof Your Smile with Sunna Dental
Dental implants should last 15–25 years or longer — but only if you treat them right. At Sunna Dental, we empower you with knowledge, tools and professional care to protect your investment.
Thinking of dental implants in Birmingham or concerned about your current ones?
Contact us today for a consultation or implant maintenance appointment — because excellence demands upkeep.
Book Your Appointment Today
