After investing in full mouth dental implants, receiving a stunning new smile, and being able to once again enjoy a varied diet without pain or discomfort, you don’t want to do anything to jeopardize their longevity. The good news is: With a proper oral hygiene routine, you should be able to rely on strong, functional implants and a healthy mouth for many years to come. Infection is the number one leading cause of implant failure, so keeping it at bay is paramount. Just as with natural teeth, a consistent, twice-daily cleaning routine should do the trick.
At Doctors Implants, we’re often asked whether or not we recommend the use of electric toothbrushes for implant care. We won’t keep you in suspense. The answer is: Yes, after the initial healing period, we do recommend electric toothbrushes to our implant patients. We also recommend water flossers over manual flossing. Both electric toothbrushes and water flossers are associated with superior oral hygiene outcomes, which is exactly what we want for our valued patients.
Below, we’ve put together an overview of some of the benefits of using electric toothbrushes and water flossers with dental implants as well as some tips for maximizing the effectiveness of your oral hygiene routine. Whether you’re considering the possibility of investing in the 6 Hour Smile or have already undergone dental implant surgery, we’re here to provide answers to all your oral hygiene questions and concerns. For more information, contact our office anytime to book a free consultation or appointment.
Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be used to maintain excellent oral health, but a wealth of research has revealed that electric toothbrushes are more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis (gum disease) both in the long and short term. Some of the unique benefits of electric toothbrushes include:
- Exceptional Results – Electronic toothbrushes help to effectively and efficiently remove plaque, prevent gum disease and bone loss, and keep infection safely at bay.
- More Strokes per Minute – The human arm, which can produce approximately 300 toothbrush strokes per minute, is no match for an electric toothbrush, which produces thousands of strokes in the same period of time. More strokes result in more thorough cleaning, especially around the gum line.
- Timed Brushing – Many electric toothbrushes have an automatic 2-minute timer, increasing the likelihood that you will brush your implants for the recommended length of time without fail.
- Easy on the Arm – For elderly patients or those with conditions that make it difficult to grasp and maneuver a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush provides a perfect and highly effective solution. Simply hold it in place and it does all the work for you.
- Consistency on Both Sides – If you have a dominant hand/arm, chances are that you brush with more force on one side of your mouth. An electric toothbrush eliminates any discrepancies and ensures that all your implants are all treated to the same high standard of care.
Considerations Before Using an Electric Toothbrush With Your Implants
The main consideration to keep in mind before using an electric toothbrush on your implants is where you are at in your healing process. Once your implants are stable and fused with your jawbone (a process known as osseointegration), brushing with an electric toothbrush should not disturb them. The use of an electric toothbrush too soon after implant surgery, however, is not recommended.
When you undergo the 6 Hour Smile, you will receive clear after-care instructions and have regularly scheduled follow-up appointments. It is critical to follow these after-care instructions precisely and not take oral hygiene decisions into your own hands. When it is safe to begin using an electric toothbrush, your doctor or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will let you know.
Different Types of Electric Toothbrushes on the Market
There are two main types of electric toothbrushes available on the market: Sonic toothbrushes and oscillating toothbrushes. Both are safe and effective, so which one you select really comes down to a matter of preference. When purchasing heads for your electric toothbrush, always be sure to go with soft bristles.
Sonic Toothbrushes – Sonic toothbrushes make tiny sonic vibrations, each one simulating a manual toothbrush stroke. However, instead of the 300 strokes per minute that a human can produce, they produce up to 30,000 strokes per minute. Sonic toothbrushes provide superior cleaning around dental implants, particularly at the gum line.
Oscillating Toothbrushes – Oscillating toothbrushes have a round head that rotates, much like a dental polishing tool you might see during a professional teeth cleaning appointment. They produce 2,500-2,700 strokes per minute and gently clean all around implants in a circular motion.
Electric toothbrush care is straightforward and very similar to manual toothbrush care. Electric toothbrushes should be left charging in an upright position that allows them to properly dry during the day, thus reducing the buildup of bacteria.
Water Flossers
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are oral health appliances that shoot a pulsating stream of water to clean effectively between teeth or implants and below the gum line. They can allow you to access those hard-to-reach areas that are often missed, even with manual flossing.
At Doctors Implants, we encourage our patients to use a water flosser as part of their oral hygiene routine. These appliances are readily available in countertop or handheld versions.
How To Use a Water Flosser
If you’re new to using a water flosser and aren’t exactly sure what it entails, we’ve outlined the process below:
- Ensure your water source is filled or connected. This could mean filling a reservoir with clean, lukewarm water or attaching your water flosser to a faucet.
- Select your preferred pressure setting and lean over the sink to avoid splashing.
- Work from your molars toward the front of your mouth. Aim the jet of water over each tooth, including the gumline and the spaces between teeth. Repeat on the outside and inside of each tooth.
- Empty the water reservoir or detach from the faucet and clean your water flosser.
For specific questions about water flosser use with your new implants, contact a knowledgeable and helpful Doctors Implants team member.
How To Choose the Best Electric Toothbrush for Implants
Choosing the best electric toothbrush for your needs and circumstances ultimately comes down to the features that are most desirable for you. Some considerations to keep in mind include:
- Grip – Does the toothbrush fit comfortably in your hand and will you be able to easily keep hold of it while brushing twice daily?
- Bristles – Are the bristles soft and is the toothbrush head the right size for your teeth and mouth?
- Size – Is the overall size of the toothbrush a good fit for your needs and the size of your bathroom counter?
- Battery Life – How long will your toothbrush last between charges?
For any specific questions about selecting the best electric toothbrush and/or water flosser for your new implants, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team at Doctors Implants directly.
Visit Doctors Implants for Your Dental Implants and Receive After-Care Instructions You Can Trust
Investing in full mouth dental implants is a life-changing experience and, at Doctors Implants, we are committed to ensuring that you’re supported at every step of the journey. From our exceptional patient care standards to our cutting-edge implant procedure and clear, proven after-care protocols, we leave nothing to chance.
Whether you’re wondering which electric toothbrush to purchase for your new smile or are seeking answers to any other questions, no matter how small or large, your needs are a priority for our world-class team and we are dedicated to meeting them with the utmost compassion and professionalism.
Ready to learn more about dental implants and the 6 Hour Smile? Contact the Doctors Implants team to set up your free initial consultation today!
