HOME CARE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLANT CARE

Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have been shown to disrupt biofilm better than a manual brush due to the ability
generate more brush strokes than the human hand. Regardless of the toothbrush of choice, patients should
be advised to brush for a full two minutes with a soft bristle brush. End tuft brushes are also great for those
hard-to-reach areas or for reaching around the sometimes bulky contours of implant crowns.

Interproximal aids
Water flossers have been shown to disrupt bacteria in pocket depths measuring up to 6 mm deep; however,
this is a technique-sensitive approach to interproximal care. Patients need to be educated about proper
techniques and should be advised to use water flossers on a low-pressure setting. Some other
recommendations for interproximal cleaning include products that promote gingival stimulation such as
soft picks, rubber tip stimulators, and proximal brushes with plastic wires. When recommending dental
floss, be sure to select a type that does not shred or leave particles behind, as this may contribute to
implantitis.

Dentifrice and over-the-counter mouthwash

As previously stated, the mechanical action that is achieved with a toothbrush and interproximal cleaners
are ideal for the disruption of slimy biofilm, a fact that must be stressed to patients. For those patients that
inquire about dentifrice and over the counter mouth rinses; it is appropriate to recommend a formula that is
nonabrasive to the exposed implant parts and contains antimicrobial ingredients.

Not recommended
Plastic or metal “picks” seen over-the-counter that mimic professional instruments should be avoided.
Metal instruments can scratch the implant surface, creating areas for bacteria to colonize, and plastic
instruments have been shown to imbed residue into the implant surface. Patients should be cautioned to
avoid the use of these “instruments,” as they are for professional use only.