Guía de cepillado para dientes implantados: 6 pasos clave

Title: Brushing Guide for Implanted Teeth: 6 Key Steps Profile: Guide on dental hygiene for patients with implants, highlighting proper cleaning and techniques to avoid complications. Keywords: ['Oral health', 'Medical advice'] Authors: Jingjing Cheng, Chief Nurse, Dental Implantology Department, Affiliated Dental Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Xiaofu Sun, Chief Nurse.

Many friends with missing teeth often find that their greatest concern after getting implants is not the functionality of the implants themselves, but rather the trouble caused by food debris accumulation and difficulties in cleaning.

After tooth extraction, your alveolar bone has undergone irreversible changes silently, leading to the development of 'black triangles,' which become challenging cleaning areas around dental implants.

Once plaque and biofilm accumulate around the implant, peri-implant inflammation can easily occur, causing redness, swelling, bleeding, and gum recession. In severe cases, this can lead to implant mobility, rendering the previously invested time and money futile.

For dental implants to be stable and durable, it is essential to adopt a more precise and scientific tooth-brushing method.

Firstly, the fundamental principles for brushing teeth after implant placement.

★ Gentle and delicate: Avoid aggressive brushing to prevent damage to the gums in the implant area.

★ Proper cleaning: Focus on thoroughly brushing the dental surfaces, the spaces between teeth, the underside of dental bridges, and around the implants.

★ Maintain regularity: Brush at least twice a day, each time for no less than 2 minutes.

★ Specialized tools: Along with interdental brushes, dental floss, and dental irrigators, a toothbrush alone is not sufficient.

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 2. Squeeze an appropriate amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. 3. Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the junction of the gums and teeth, brushing gently. 4. Brush each tooth for 30 seconds, ensuring thorough cleaning. 5. After brushing the outer surfaces, clean the inner surfaces and chewing surfaces. 6. Clean the tongue and other areas of the mouth to remove bacteria. 7. Rinse to ensure the removal of toothpaste and residues from the mouth. Note: Patients with dental implants should pay special attention to cleaning around the implants and have regular dental check-ups.

1. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.

It is recommended to use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, avoiding hard bristles that may excessively scrub the implants and gums.

2. Use the modified Bass brushing method.

The brush should be angled at 45 degrees against the dental surface, gently pointing towards the direction of the tooth roots.

★ Small horizontal oscillations, clean individually, do not pull forcefully from the side.

★ Both the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces should be brushed.

Cleaning underneath the body of the bridge should be done gently, leaving no dead corners.

3. Pay special attention to cleaning between teeth and under the dental bridge.

Dental prosthetics, especially bridge restorations, are most prone to accumulating debris in the spaces between teeth and at the base of the bridge.

★ Use dental floss between the teeth and gently clean the adjacent surfaces.

★ Under the dental bridge, one can use guided floss or specialized dental floss for implants.

For wider spaces, it is recommended to use an interdental brush for deeper cleaning.

4. Soft cleaning of the gumline.

The gingival tissue around the implant is the 'first line of defense' and should be cleaned gently to prevent excessive brushing injuries that can cause recession.

Third, these brushing errors should be avoided:

❌ Aggressive brushing: it can easily wear down the tooth surface and stimulate gum recession.

Do not only brush the outside; the interior should also be brushed since tartar accumulates more easily there.

Brushing time is too short: plaque cannot be completely removed.

❌ Prolonged use without interdental brush/floss: insufficient cleaning on the adjacent surfaces of dental implants.

Do not use a hard-bristled toothbrush forcefully: it can damage the base of the restoration and the gums.

Fourth, small daily maintenance recommendations.

★ Every six months to a year, check your teeth and have professional maintenance.

★ Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce gum irritation.

★ Avoid biting hard objects for extended periods to protect the implant.

★ Continue using dental irrigators to improve cleaning efficiency.

The lifespan of dental implants depends partly on the skill of the doctor and partly on subsequent maintenance. If you master the correct brushing technique and take proper care of them, your dental implants can accompany you for a longer time.