Implant Cleaning Guide: How to Clean Dental Implants

Dental implants do not decay; however, the gum and bone around them can become inflamed because of bacterial plaque, just as with natural teeth. Over time this can lead to bone loss around the implant. That is why daily cleaning is one of the most important factors in keeping implants healthy for the long term.

Why clean them?

• Peri-implant mucositis: Inflammation of the gum around the implant; it can be reversed if noticed early.
• Peri-implantitis: Inflammation that has spread to the bone; it is harder to treat.

The main cause of both is bacterial plaque building up around the implant.

Cleaning tools to use

• Soft toothbrush: Manual or electric
• Interdental brush: Sized to fit the spaces between the implant and the neighbouring teeth; ones with a plastic-coated wire can be preferred
• Implant or bridge floss: Thick, spongy floss helps clean the neck of the implant
• Water flosser: Can help especially with cleaning under implant-supported prostheses
• Low-abrasion toothpaste

Step-by-step cleaning

1. Brush the crown on the implant and the gum margin with a soft brush, using small circular movements.
2. Clean the spaces beside the implant with an interdental brush.
3. Wrap implant floss around the neck of the implant and use it with a back-and-forth motion.
4. If you have a fixed implant-supported prosthesis, clean underneath it with a water flosser or bridge floss.
5. If you wear a removable implant-supported prosthesis, take it out, clean it separately and brush the attachments.

Signs to watch for

• Bleeding or swelling around the implant
• A bad taste or smell
• Gum recession, with the implant surface becoming visible
• Pain or a feeling of movement when chewing

If you notice these signs, see your dentist without delay.

Regular check-ups

People with implants are generally advised to see the dentist every 6 months for a check-up and professional cleaning. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes increase the risk of disease around implants.

For information on implant planning, see our article on planning in implant treatment.