What Is the Best Toothpaste for Dental Implants?

We are often asked, “What type of toothpaste should I use to clean my implants?” The answer is simpler than you might expect!

Using a normal over-the-counter toothpaste is fine. Just be sure and choose a low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste. There is no need to choose a special type of toothpaste – but do look for the ADA Seal of Approval to find the best kind.

But while you’re here, here are some tips for your dental implant care: 

DOs for Dental Implant Care

• DO brush your implants at least twice a day, especially after meals. Brush gently twice a day using a small, soft bristle manual brush. Alternatively, you can us an electric toothbrush with a soft-bristled head. Either of these options will help you to clean all surfaces of the teeth and critical areas where the implants and gums meet. GENTLE but THOROUGH brushing is the key here, not necessarily which specific brush is used. Plaque does not need to be scrubbed hard to be removed. It’s soft and sticky. If you’re removing it regularly, it won’t have time to harden and turn into tartar. Remember: Soft bristles are kinder to the gums. Additionally, interdental brush heads are very effective at cleaning those hard-to-reach spaces, without scratching the surface of the implants. Again, use these gently. Don’t jam them in between the teeth and gums with force.
• DO use a Waterpik. Oral irrigators are ideal tools to reduce hard-to-reach plaque, sticky biofilms, and food particles that can cause inflammation of the gums. One study found that using a Waterpik is 87% better at reducing bleeding and three times more effective at reducing gingivitis than just rinsing.
• DO use a mouth rinse if you have any inflammation of the gums around your implant. If you have inflammation of the gums around your implants, after brushing and flossing, you can add a diluted alcohol-free antimicrobial rinse with chlorhexidine gluconate to your oral irrigator. These can be prescribed when needed.
• DO floss! Use unwaxed floss between individual implants and/or natural teeth in a shoeshine motion to keep the spaces between them free of plaque and bacteria. For implant bridges, use a floss-threader to get underneath the bridges. It might take a little practice at first, but it does wonders for keeping things clean and healthy.
• DO avoid overindulging in sugar. Too much sugar can result in plaque build-up, which jeopardizes gum health.
• DO maintain regular dental cleanings and exams. Many people think that because they no longer have natural teeth and don’t have to worry about getting cavities, they don’t need to see the dentist anymore. Wrong! It is important that routine cleanings and exams are maintained at least twice a year, along with periodic x-rays to keep an eye on the implants and supporting bone health. Although implants can’t decay, the underlying bone and supporting gum tissues still play a vital role in the health and success of your implants, long-term.
• DO wear a night guard if you tend do clench or grind your teeth. Many patients end up losing teeth over time as a result of clenching and/or grinding. This habit runs deep and is one many people don’t even realize they have until we point out extensive, unusual tooth wear patterns, or the wearing down of their teeth. Many people do it in their sleep, which makes it impossible to control on their own. Consider having a custom night guard made. This is one thing we do in our practice for all patients who’ve had dental implant treatment – to protect their investment and keep everything in good shape for years to come.

DON’Ts for Dental Implant Care

• DON’T use toothpaste marketed for “whitening” or “brightening.” Avoid toothpastes containing baking soda or activated charcoal. Stain-removing toothpastes will be too abrasive for your new teeth.
• DON’T use your teeth as tools. Yes, they feel strong. And they are! But avoid opening packaging, bottles, or cans with your implants.
• DON’T smoke. Smoking is one of the biggest contributing factors to dental problems and failed healing.
• DON’T chew ice. The chewing forces possible with dental implants can be extremely strong. You might not realize just how hard you’re chewing sometimes, because unlike natural teeth with ligaments and nerves, you can’t feel the chewing motion like you do with real teeth. Because of this, you can easily chew more forcefully than you mean to and chip or break cusps off your new teeth.

So. Now you know that for dental implants, you don’t really need any fancy or special toothpaste! Just a low-abrasive one with tartar control. Happy brushing!