A Simple Routine to Protect Your New Smile
Getting your final set of dental implants is a big moment. You can eat comfortably, smile confidently, and enjoy a stable, natural-looking set of teeth again. But once your final restoration is in place, one of the most important questions becomes:
How do I take care of them properly?
The good news is that maintaining your new implant-supported teeth is straightforward. With the right daily routine and a few key products, you can keep your smile healthy, comfortable, and built to last for many years.
Why Cleaning Dental Implants Matters
Even though implants can’t get cavities like natural teeth, they still require consistent care. Bacteria and plaque can accumulate around the gums and implant structure, which can lead to inflammation or infection if not removed regularly.
Proper cleaning helps:
- Dental screenings
- Preventive treatments
- Oral health education
- Referrals for ongoing care
- Community outreach and awareness
Each year, dental teams across the country donate time and resources to support this effort and help children build strong foundations for lifelong oral health.
Why Pediatric Dental Care Matters
Routine dental visits are about much more than clean teeth. Early dental care helps:
- Protect the gums and bone supporting your implants
- Prevent inflammation or peri-implant disease
- Keep breath fresh
- Maintain the longevity of your restoration
- Preserve the natural look of your smile
A few minutes each day makes a big difference in protecting your investment.
Your Daily Implant Care Routine
1. Use a Water Flosser (Waterpik)
A water flosser is one of the best tools for cleaning around implant-supported teeth. It helps flush out food particles and bacteria from areas traditional floss can’t always reach.
How to use it:
- Use once daily (many patients prefer evening)
- Aim along the gumline and around the implants
- Use a gentle to moderate pressure setting
- Take your time and clean thoroughly around the full arch
This step helps keep the tissue around the implants healthy and reduces buildup beneath the restoration.
2. Brush With a Non-Whitening, Low-Abrasive Toothpaste
We recommend using a non-whitening Sensodyne® toothpaste or another gentle, low-abrasive formula. Whitening toothpastes can be too harsh for implant restorations and may dull or scratch the surface over time.
Why gentle toothpaste matters:
- Protects the finish of your prosthetic teeth
- Reduces sensitivity
- Cleans effectively without damaging materials
- Supports gum health around implants
Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure.
3. Rinse With a Non-Alcohol Antibacterial Mouthwash
A rinse like Closys® is often recommended because it helps control bacteria without harsh alcohol or strong burning sensations.
Benefits include:
- Reducing odor-causing bacteria
- Supporting healthy gum tissue
- Helping maintain a balanced oral environment
- Being gentle enough for daily use
Use as directed after brushing and water flossing for best results.
What to Avoid
To protect your implants and restoration, avoid:
- Abrasive or charcoal toothpastes
- Hard-bristled toothbrushes
- Aggressive scrubbing
- Using teeth as tools (opening packages, etc.)
- Skipping professional maintenance visits
Gentle, consistent care is far more effective than aggressive cleaning.
Professional Maintenance Matters Too
Even with excellent home care, regular professional visits are essential. These appointments allow us to:
- Monitor gum and bone health
- Professionally clean around implants
- Check bite and function
- Ensure long-term stability
- Address small concerns early
Most implant patients benefit from regular maintenance visits to keep everything functioning at its best.
Protecting Your Investment
Your new smile was designed to last. With the right daily routine and ongoing care, implant-supported teeth can remain strong, comfortable, and beautiful for many years.
Simple habits — water flossing, gentle brushing, and the right rinse — help protect not only the restoration but the health of the tissue and bone supporting it.
Learn From Real Patient Experience
In the video included with this article, one of Dr. Briskie’s patients walks through their personal routine using a Waterpik, non-whitening Sensodyne toothpaste, and Closys rinse. Hearing directly from someone living with full-arch implants can make caring for your new smile feel even more approachable.
Questions About Caring for Your New Smile?
If you’ve recently received dental implants — or are preparing for your final set — our team is here to help you feel confident about every step of care.
📍 Revive-Dental™ | 11411 Business Park Circle, Suite #1000 Longmont, CO 80504
A healthy routine keeps your new smile looking and feeling its best — every day.
