Dental Hygiene Information Center       Congratulations on your choice to improve your health, comfort, appearance and chewing ability through dental implant therapy. Remember though, you'll want to take optimum care of your implant supported teeth. And that means special attention with the right oral hygiene products.      Generally speaking, dental implants need the same conscientious care that natural teeth need. Because of their special shape and location regular brushing and flossing may need to be supplemented. For that reason there are a number of oral hygiene systems on the market designed to make your job easy. Brushing -- Many times a cordless electric toothbrush will be recommended. Some manufactures provide small round brush tips or heads which make cleaning the implant posts easier. Implant posts are where the teeth or other structures attach to the implant . If you use a standard brush, take extra care to clean in and around all implant posts. Oral irrigators have been shown to be effective in reducing plaque acclumulation around natural teeth and implants. Your dentist or hygienist may also suggest you use a special mouth rinse. Flossing -- Good implant hygiene includes daily flossing. If your implant supported teeth stand alone, that is, are not attached to adjacent teeth or implant posts, standard flossing methods are just fine. However, many times several teeth may be attached together to form an implant supported "bridge" or several implants may support a special "bar" to which teeth are attached. If this is the case you'll need additional help in flossing these areas. "Floss threaders" are widely available where dental hygiene products are sold. Floss threaders help you introduce the floss under bridges and bars so these areas can be easily cleaned. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a special "wide" floss for additional help in cleaning of your implants. Interproximal Brushes -- Interproximal brushes are special small dental brushes designed for cleaning "between" the teeth or implants. While not a replacement for dental floss they can offer additional help in cleaning these hard to reach areas. They are widely available and especially handy for those who find flossing difficult.     The ad below links to a quality site offering information and products that will aid you in maintaining your implants and natural teeth the rest of your life. Remember, regular visits to your dentist or hygienist for professional cleaning and implant maintenance is mandatory to protect your investment.   Sponsors Help Make This Site Possible -- Please Visit Them   Copyright 1998 - 2001 Enexus, Inc. All Rights Reserved.