An electric toothbrush is a good choice after you've got Victoria dental implants. However, there are a few things you'll need to consider before you rush out and buy one. If your job has you traveling, you might find one of these a little cumbersome. That goes for people who want to take it with them vacationing too.
That being said, you should not use an electric toothbrush directly following a dental implant procedure because the vibrations of the toothbrush can cause the implant to fail and not attach to your jawbone correctly.
Sonic toothbrushes for implants
If you prefer electric toothbrushes, the Curaprox Hydrosonic pro was developed specifically for people with implants, braces or gum problems.
Many dental professionals recommend using a manual toothbrush during the first few weeks after implant placement. This practice can help prevent irritation of sensitive tissues during the healing process. Once the area is healed, an electric toothbrush is an excellent choice for routine home cleaning.
Although implants do not decay, they can develop plaque. If this sticky, bacterial-laden substance is not regularly removed, it can irritate and even inflame the surrounding gum tissue. Known as gingivitis in its early stages, this condition can easily advance into periodontitis.
Non-abrasive, tartar control toothpaste is best suited to care for the surface of the implant. Avoid toothpaste with baking soda, too much fluoride, and those designed for smokers. Cleaning between teeth is particularly important, so flossing once or twice daily is a key step to proper care of dental implants.
Using an electric toothbrush is blamed for bleeding gums, eroded enamel and even fillings falling out.
Used properly, an electric toothbrush should not hurt your gums or enamel but instead promote overall oral health. Many people are guilty of brushing too hard, which can, over time, cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel and can cause receding gums, which is also irreversible.
Floss shreds sometimes even when using it with natural teeth. The problem is that dental implants are titanium, so it can actually cause the floss to shred even more than normal. Left behind floss particles can lead to disease and infection, so it's important that you avoid flossing around your implants.
The good news is that preventing dental implant failure is actually quite easy. The best way to keep your dental implants healthy – and in your mouth – is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice daily, and use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash. Some changes to your diet may also be beneficial.
The key is to not get one with stiff or hard bristles, as they could traumatize the gum tissues around the implant and restoration. Next, select a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste. Be sure to avoid harsh products that feel gritty, such as baking soda.
Avoid opening packaging, bottles, or cans with your implants. DON'T spit or suck through straws immediately following surgery. DON'T rush back to eating normal foods. After surgery, you should stick to soft foods like creamy soups, milkshakes, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
But, like your natural teeth, implants are not impervious to damage or destruction. Just like natural teeth, implants can chip, break, or fall out if they are damaged by trauma or inadequate care.
Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for gums. In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health.
The best toothbrush for receding gums
Electric toothbrushes have a considerable advantage over their manual counterparts. Other than being more effective at plaque removal, power toothbrushes are the best types of toothbrushes for gum recession.
A 2017 study published in the journal PLOS One found that electric toothbrushes were more likely than manual to abrade dentin—the tissue directly below the tooth's enamel, which can become exposed when enamel wears away or gums recede. Abrasions to the dentin increase tooth sensitivity and can hike cavity risks.
Examining the Experts' Opinions
The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that both electric and manual toothbrushes remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, as long as you use a proper brushing technique. In fact, they've said that the technique is more important than the tool.
Results. The power toothbrushes caused significantly higher dentin abrasion compared to the manual toothbrushes using the same brushing force and time.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? With regular brushing and flossing, the implant screw itself can last a lifetime, assuming the patient receives regular dental check-ups every 6 months. The crown, however, usually only lasts about 10 to 15 years before it may need a replacement due to wear and tear.
Additionally, dental implants don't require extensive maintenance. Unlike false teeth like dentures, which involve special care and cleaning routines, dental implants only need brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups.