Dental Questions: Flossing around implants

Dental implants are a new and exiting technology that has changed the way dentistry is practiced. The ability to add single teeth (or spans of teeth) back to the mouth in a non-removable fashion is a miracle for many patients. However, implants must be maintained with the same hygiene routines as natural teeth, if not more rigorously. Flossing is a particularly important step, as it directly targets the leading cause of implant failure. 

A dental implant is essentially a titanium screw that is placed beneath the gums and into the jaw bone. A crown is either cemented or screwed on to the implant, allowing the gum tissue to heal around it and create the appearance of a natural tooth. While the bones will eventually integrate with the titanium in the screw, the gums never truly "attach" to the sides of the implant crown. The result is a deeper pocket than a natural tooth, with much more potential for food collection and inflammation. Flossing is an essential part of cleaning the sides of the implant and removing irritants and plaque from its pockets. Much like the progression of natural gum disease, unclean implants can develop gum irritation and accelerated bone loss. When used correctly, floss reaches areas that the toothbrush cannot reach and keeps inflammation to a minimum. Don't worry- the floss won't damage the implant crown or the screw underneath!

Implants are an investment that begs to be protected. Regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings are the only way to ensure your new teeth for many years to come. If you have any more questions about cleaning implants, brushing your teeth or using dental floss, please give our office a call!

Dental Questions: Should I be using mouthwash?

With the wide variety of mouthwashes and rinses available today, choosing a product for yourself can be quite the challenge. Between Listerine, Biotene, ACT rinse and others, there is certainly a multitude of options. However, which product should you be using? Should you be using any mouth rinses? Read on to find out how to choose the best product for your oral health. 

Many patients will start using a mouthwash as a response to bad breath. In reality, the best a mouthwash can do is mask bad breath with its flavoring. Even the strongest tasting and most astringent rinses can only help as a temporary measure. Your best bet in preventing bad breath is upping your home hygiene. Specifically, flossing and tongue brushing can have a noticeable and lasting impact on the way your breath smells.

Listerine is the most widely recognized and used mouth rinse on the market. Many patients seek the burning sensation under the idea that "if it hurts- it's working." In reality, Listerine and other alcohol based mouthwashes are designed to target periodontal disease. These rinses rely on alcohol to eliminate bacteria in the gums and pockets around the teeth. Patients with healthy gum tissue will likely not see any marked benefit from using these products. On the contrary, alcohol rinses tend to be slightly acidic which can contribute to enamel demineralization and the tooth decay process. 

For those that are interested in using a mouthwash, almost everyone can benefit from ACT Fluoride Rinse. While it lacks the burn of alcohol based mouthwashes, ACT rinse contains a therapeutic concentration of fluoride. Since Fluoride works by being in contact with dental enamel, using it in a rinse to bathe your teeth is an excellent application. For the best use, rinse with ACT after brushing, spit, and do not rinse with water. Allowing the product to have maximum contact with the teeth is key to its cavity fighting powers!

For patients with chronically dry mouths (a condition called xerostomia), products such as Biotene are an excellent choice. One of the main ingredients in Biotene is xylitol, a natural sugar substitute. In this application, xylitol helps stimulate salivation and protects against cavity causing bacteria. Because our natural saliva is protective against tooth decay, patients with dry mouths are at an extremely high risk for developing new cavities. Overall, Biotene can have a significant impact on the comfort and dental health of those patients with xerostomia. 

It is important to remember that patients with excellent oral health may not need to use a mouthwash. For many, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing is sufficient to maintain tooth and gum health. If you would like more advice on rinses or any other part of oral hygiene, feel free to give our office a call!