Your daily routine
| Implant type | Brush | Between and under |
|---|---|---|
| Single implant crown | Soft or electric brush, twice a day | Interdental brush or floss once a day |
| Implant bridge | Same | Interdental brushes, implant floss or a water flosser under the bridge |
| Full arch (All-on-4, hybrid) | Same, plus a single-tuft brush at the gum line | Water flosser under the arch every day |
| Overdenture | Brush the attachments; clean the denture separately | See caring for overdentures |
Use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Very gritty whitening pastes can scratch the crown.
Professional care
At each maintenance visit we:
- check the gum around each implant for bleeding and pocket depth
- check the bite and look for loose or worn parts
- clean around the implants with instruments that won’t scratch them
- take an X-ray from time to time to check the bone level
- for full-arch bridges, occasionally remove the bridge to clean underneath
Warning signs
Call us if you notice:
- bleeding or swelling of the gum around an implant
- pus or a bad taste
- the crown or bridge feeling loose or clicking
- a change in your bite
- pain or tenderness around the implant
Loose screws and early gum inflammation are simple to fix when they’re caught early.
What raises the risk of problems
- Smoking
- A history of gum disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Missing maintenance visits
- Heavy grinding. A night guard protects the crowns and the implants.
At Petal Smiles
Our periodontist looks after the gums around implants, and Dr. Adish and our implantologist check the implants and the teeth on them. See dental implants and how long implants last.
Questions patients ask us
How do I clean a dental implant?
Brush twice a day with a soft or electric brush, angled at the gum line. Clean between the teeth daily with an interdental brush, implant floss or a water flosser. We'll show you the right size of brush.
How often do implants need a check-up?
Usually every six months, sometimes every three to four months if you've had gum disease, smoke or have a full-arch bridge.
What is peri-implantitis?
Inflammation of the gum and bone around an implant, caused mainly by plaque. Early on it shows as bleeding or swelling; later, bone is lost and the implant can loosen. Caught early, it's usually treatable.
Can I use a water flosser on implants?
Yes. Water flossers are especially useful under bridges and full-arch implant teeth, where floss is hard to thread.
Does implant maintenance cost extra?
Check-ups and cleaning are routine visits. Occasional extras, such as tightening a screw or replacing a worn part, are quoted when needed.
Sources
ADA MouthHealthy: dental implants ↗Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS: dental implants patient information ↗NHS: how to keep your teeth clean ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.