How do I care for dental implants?

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth:

Daily care: - Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush - Floss daily (water flossers work great for implants) - Use non-abrasive toothpaste - Consider an antibacterial mouthwash

Professional care: - Regular dental cleanings every 6 months - Annual implant checkups - Professional monitoring of gum health

What to avoid: - Smoking (significantly increases failure risk) - Chewing ice or hard objects - Using teeth as tools - Abrasive toothpaste

While implants can't get cavities, they can develop peri-implantitis (gum infection around the implant) if not properly maintained. Regular cleanings help prevent this.

With proper care, your implants can last a lifetime.