Is brushing of teeth required after dental implants?

Question

I have limited use of my arms/hands, and cannot brush my teeth. My dentist has recommended that my teeth be removed and implants put in, due to severe gum disease. (I am 63, male, diabetic.) He said that would cure the gum disease, but I have read that people with implants can still get bad gum infections if they don't brush.

Elly Tehrani, DMD, MSD · Answer

Dental implants require the same hygiene care as natural teeth.  Dental implants can also develop gum disease, and get infected , specially in diabetics.

Shahin Safarian, DMD · Answer

Yes, you need to maintain your oral hygiene so as to prevent infection. You can use electric brush and rinse your mouth properly.

Emery Cole, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Absolutely will need to maintain your implants with daily brushing as you will still have natural bacteria and minerals in your mouth and plaque>calculus will grow on implants. Rinsing can benefit the health of the tissue around the implants but will not prevent deposits onto the implant and denture surfaces. Maybe the dentist can keep you in a implant supra structure system that would allow for better cleaning with a mechanical toothbrush and then see them monthly for a cleaning/implant maintenance.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:You definitely need to continue to brush your implants so that the plaque that contains bacteria is removed mechanically.  I also suggest to use a Oral Essentials Orignial Mouthwash which contains Dead Sea salt and essential oils as an aide.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Joseph B. Silberman, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Having implants does not absolve anyone from having to care for them, which means brushing them to remove the plaque that forms. You would certainly be healthier after removing your diseased teeth, but the question will be whether or not you should have implants placed knowing you might not be able to care for them.

Is brushing of teeth required after dental implants?

Answers (5)