So, you got dental implants?
Same.
Honestly, they’re kind of amazing. You can chew without thinking about it, smile without worrying that something might fall out, and you don’t have to deal with messy denture stuff.
But here’s the part nobody tells you:
You still gotta take care of them.
Like, yeah—they’re not real teeth. But they’re not zero-maintenance either.
I learned that the hard way.
So if you want to keep them clean (and make them last), here’s what’s been working for me, and I’ll give you the tips to keep your dental implants clean. Nothing fancy. Just simple stuff that makes a difference.
8 Tips to Keep Your Dental Implants Clean
1. Clean Them Like Real Teeth (Because… Well, Kind of)
I used to think implants didn’t need the same care. No cavities, right? So I can skip a night or two?
Yeah… no.
They might not rot like regular teeth, but the gums around them? Still at risk. Infection can sneak in fast, and it’s not fun. So here is your tip to keep your implants clean.
What I do now:
- Brush morning and night, no matter how tired I am.
- Floss once a day. I don’t love it, but I do it.
- Try not to rush through it like I used to.
Honestly, it’s just become part of the routine, like making coffee.
2. Soft Toothbrush Only
I used to use one of those medium brushes that make your gums feel like they’ve been power-washed.
Bad idea.
With implants, softer is better. Your gums are doing all the support work now, so don’t overexert them.
What I switched to:
- A soft-bristle brush (mine’s electric, but a manual’s fine too)
- Lighter pressure—no need to scrub like it’s a kitchen tile
- I replace it when it looks worn or starts smelling weird
I still clean thoroughly—I just don’t destroy my mouth doing it.
3. Get in Between the Teeth (Yes, Every Day)
This part? Super easy to ignore. I skipped it a lot before.
But flossing or using those tiny interdental brushes helps. Food loves hiding in the gaps, especially around implants. If you leave it there, stuff builds up.
I use both depending on my mood:
- Floss when I’m a patient
- Interdental brushes when I’m not
Takes like two minutes tops. Worth it.
4. Chill on the Gritty Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste? Charcoal toothpaste? The trendy stuff?
Tried it. Regretted it.
Some of them are way too rough. They wear down your gumline and mess with the surface of the implant. Gums don’t grow back, either.
Now I just use:
- Something gentle (usually says “for sensitive teeth”)
- No grit, no gimmicks, no burning sensation
It doesn’t have to sparkle to work. It just needs to be cleaned.
5. Mouthwash Is Cool, But Keep It Simple
Mouthwash is nice. Feels fresh. Makes your breath less scary in the morning.
But don’t go overboard with the super-strong ones. The ones with alcohol dry out your mouth like crazy, which isn’t great.
What I go for:
- Alcohol-free stuff (usually labeled “gentle” or “sensitive”)
- I use it once a day after brushing
- If it burns, I stop using it
It’s just one extra step. Doesn’t replace brushing or flossing, though. Learned that quickly.
6. Don’t Skip the Dentist (Even When It’s Tempting)
If everything feels fine, it’s easy to put off appointments.
I did that once. Regretted it.
Your dentist can see stuff you can’t—like early signs of gum issues or inflammation. And they clean around the implant way better than you ever will at home.
Now I just book it every 6 months. Treat it like an oil change.
In and out. No drama.
And if anything starts to feel weird (like a funky taste, pressure, or bleeding), I go sooner.
7. Be a Little Mindful About Food
You don’t need a special “implant diet” or anything.
But some stuff is harder on them.
I used to chew ice all the time. Cracked a crown once. Won’t be doing that again.
Now I just keep it simple:
- No chewing on hard stuff like ice or pens
- Rinse after sweet snacks
- More veggies, more water
Still eat pizza. Still drink soda sometimes. Just not 5 cans a day like I did in college.
8. Pay Attention to the Weird Stuff
Bleeding gums? Bad breath that sticks around?
That’s not just “a bad day.”
It could be the start of an infection. And once that sets in, things can go downhill real fast.
Here’s what made me call my dentist once:
- Weird pressure when I bit down
- Gums are looking puffier than usual
- A strange metallic taste that didn’t go away
Turns out I caught something early. Got it cleaned up, no big deal. But if I had waited, it would’ve been a mess.
So yeah—if something feels off, don’t ignore it. Just check in.
Dental implants aren’t high-maintenance.
But they’re not hands-off either.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent.
Brush. Floss. Rinse. Eat semi-sane. Go to the dentist. Pay attention.
That’s it.
If you’ve got implants and want to keep them, just build a routine you can stick with. Doesn’t have to be fancy. Just real.
I’m still figuring it out, too.
We all are.
