While your implant may look like a natural tooth, and you may simply clean it the same way as you do the rest of your teeth, it's important to remember that your implant is a false tooth that is made from artificial materials. Implant cleaning is just as important as regular teeth cleaning; however, you may need to use different products and implement special care to keep your implant in good shape. 

Keep Things Smooth

While strong, implant teeth may be more affected by some toothpaste ingredients than natural teeth. Some regular brands may actually damage your implant crown. It's typically fine to use a regular toothpaste on implants; however, you should avoid using toothpastes that contain any abrasive substances.

For example, some toothpastes that claim to whiten your teeth or to remove stains may contain baking soda. Abrasive substances like this may damage the surface of implant crowns and the gum tissue that grows around them. This may have a cosmetic effect on the implant tooth; it may also cause damage that ultimately leads to other dental problems.

Scratches and Bacteria

If you scratch or wear down the surface of an implant, the tooth may find it harder to repel stains. This may leave you with discolouration on your tooth, and the tooth may start to look less shiny and white.

On a more serious level, scratches and abrasions on implants can become a home for bacteria such as plaque. If you can't easily remove plaque from your implant, the bacteria may cause problems with your gums. For example, plaque can spread to inflame your gums and make them bleed. If you can't manage this bacterial load, you may also end up with peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that may affect the bone that holds your implant in place. If you lose some of this bone, your implant may fail as it loses its security.

Tip: If you notice any gum problems around your implant, see your dentist as soon as you can. Early problems with your gums may be easy to deal with; fixing more advanced implant gum issues may take a lot more work.

If you aren't sure how to properly care for your implants, talk to your dentist or hygienist. They will have plenty of recommendations for toothpastes, as well as other care tips. For more information on implants and implant care, talk to a company like Surfers Dental Centre.

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