Water Flossers Recommended for People with Dental Implants

A highly educated dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Etess was among the top 10 percent of his graduating class at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Jeffrey Etess has since completed dental-related education in naturopathic medicine, integrative biological dental medicine, and implantology, all disciplines he integrates into his practice in Williston Park, New York.

Proper dental hygiene around a dental implant is just as important as the daily multiple brushings for a natural tooth, as both depend heavily on surrounding tissues for support. As such, keeping these tissues healthy through regular cleaning is vital. However, there are different cleaning methods recommended for implants. Implants have a weaker seal that can be broken by aggressive flossing, which can in turn allow bacteria to access and damage the bone around the implant. Because the soft tissue around an implant is not well supplied with nerves, the pain or discomfort due to aggressive flossing is less noticeable, making injury to the tissue more likely.

Instead of using traditional dental floss, individuals with dental implants should consider oral irrigators, which are more commonly referred to as water flossers. Among other benefits, irrigators are faster and create less discomfort, especially for people with sensitive gums. The devices pump water at high pressure through a minuscule point at the tip of a small hose and can clean hard-to-reach areas in the mouth within seconds.