Do I Need a Medical Mouthwash for the Rest of my Life if I Got a Dental Implant?

Question

My dentist made me one tooth implant. She gave me a mouthwash that tastes like Listerine (but from Patterson) and told me that I have to use it twice a day for the rest of my life. Problem is only that I don't like the taste even if I rinse my mouth afterwards. Can I use another mouthwash? Like a home-made mouthwash or none at all or will the implant fall out or get infected when I don't use it? Gabrielle

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

I have never recommended this or heard of others suggesting it.  While it may be a good idea to keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible, the implant will NOT fail if you don't.  Once an implant has osseointegrated (fused to the bone) it will act almost identically to natural teeth (a bit more rigid).  You will brush and floss like regular teeth.  Using or NOT using a rinse won't make or break the treatment, if an implant fails later on, it likely has little to do with using a mouthrinse.

	During the healing phase of implant therapy, every and all effort to keep the area clean and with minimal bacterial exposure is a good idea.  A lifetime commitment to a mouthrinse is not a requirement.

Robert Penning, DMD · Answer

A daily mouthrinse is a proven benefit as part of a person oral health routine. There are brands that work and brands that don't. Ask your practitioner if there are any other brands you can try that he/she is comfortable with.

Donald L. Wilcox, DDS · Answer

Your dentist is wise in encouraging excellent home care around your implant to preserve its health long term.  There are a variety of mouthwashes that can help control bacteria on the surface so you should be able to find a substitute from what you were given that you may like more.  In addition to brushing and flossing, the Perio Protect system is the most effective adjunct I have found to maintain gum and bone health around implants and natural teeth.

Soheyla Marzvaan, DDS (retired) · Answer

I recommend different Mouth rinses to my patients for different reasons , but saving an implant from failing is not one of them. Mouth rinse is great if the patient likes the flavor  or it can be the best but they won't use it long term. It should not contain alcohol either. It is a great habit to get into to keep the mouth fresh and clean ,  specially those who suffer from periodontal conditions.   Whether to use a mouth rinse or not after the implant has been integrated in the bone does not increase or decrease the likelihood of its failure. It is important while the implant is being placed and accepted by the body for the patient to practice perfect hygiene and mouth rinse is one of the things I recommend. So use a mouth wash that is non alcoholic and tastes good to you. for general health and cleanliness of your mouth. My favorite is  "Breath RX " , and it tastes great.

Do I Need a Medical Mouthwash for the Rest of my Life if I Got a Dental Implant?

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Answer: Is life time use of mouth rinse a must for success of an implant?

Answer: Is life time use of mouth rinse a must for success of an implant?

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Do I Need a Medical Mouthwash for the Rest of my Life if I Got a Dental Implant?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is life time use of mouth rinse a must for success of an implant?

Answer: Is life time use of mouth rinse a must for success of an implant?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.