How to Floss Properly Around Your Dental Implants

Just like brushing, flossing plays a critical role in oral health, and when it comes to dental implants, it’s even more important.

Why It Matters Even More for Your New Teeth

Dental implants may look like natural teeth, but they require special attention. Plaque and bacteria tend to settle around the implant, the abutment (the connector), and the crown (the visible part). Without proper cleaning, this buildup can cause irritation, inflammation, and, eventually, peri-implantitis.

And here’s the catch: once peri-implantitis sets in, it’s much tougher to manage than gum disease around natural teeth. That’s why daily flossing isn’t optional – it’s your best defence.

The Proper Method to Remove Plaque

It’s not just about doing it; it’s about doing it right. Here’s the technique Dr Jeremy Lung (Dentist) recommends:

• Use a flosser like the Kent Easy Flosser, which you can find at Coles for just a few dollars
• Slide the floss through the contact point between your teeth
• Hug one tooth surface, moving the floss up and down, not side to side
• Switch to the adjacent tooth and repeat the same gentle up-and-down motion

This method ensures you clean the implant and the surrounding gumline, where plaque often hides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is scrubbing side to side like you’re towel-drying a dog. That action frays the floss and could leave pieces trapped around your implant, potentially leading to irritation or damage. Always stick with the gentle, vertical up-and-down movement.

What If Your Gums Bleed?

If you notice some bleeding when you start flossing, don’t panic. It usually means your gums are inflamed from plaque buildup. The solution? Keep flossing. With regular care, the bleeding should stop within a few days. “If it bleeds, it needs more cleaning, not less,” explains Dr Lung.