How to clean dental implants using waterpik?

Dental Implants can: Be cleaned using a waterpik above the gum line just like you would use around other teeth. Dental implants cannot get tooth decay but they can get surrounding periodontal disease or peri implantitis.

Just like teeth: Dental implants can be treated like teeth and cleaned by using a low setting on the waterpik before applying it between the implant and the gums.

Gently: Do it gently, perpendicular to the implant, but not into the gum!

Just like teeth: If the implants are healed and the soft tissue is well healed and mature then you would use the water pik the same way as you would teeth.

Methodically: Take your time. Keep your mouth closed and start with lowest setting until you become skilled at moving the tip around. Clean from the outside and the inside if you have access to both.You can also loop floss around the implant and use a 'shoeshine' movement to clean the abutment/implant/prosthesis connection. The waterpik is an excellent way to clean where your electric brush can't get. Good luck.

Better ways to clean: Waterpiks are great for removing food particles but are very limited in the removal of plaque. Try careful vibratory toothbrushing techniques aiming the bristles at the gum, with no up and down, no sweeping, and no circles. Additionally interdental brushes such as gum "go betweens" are highly recommended.

Waterpik : Makes many different tips. Use the one with bristles. A waterpik is an adjunct cleaning device. A good brush (manual or mechanical) is also indicated. Hope this helps.

In concert w/brushin: Dental implants should be cared for the same as you would your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, mouth rinses, and the water pik is a great addition, but not a substitute for any of the others. You also need to maintain your professional dental visits as well, so get that water pik and bring your oral hygiene to the next level!

Simple way: A great way to clean around dental implants is to use WaterPik. Use not too much pressure, it may cause damage to the pocket so keep it at the lowest level possible. Recent studies have shown the WaterPik to remove up to 145% more debris than regular dental floss and tooth brush together. WaterPik is a long term investment. Good luck.

Cleaning implants: Be careful not to point the tip of the device down at the gum line to avoid having the water pressure from driving anything between the gum and the implant. Best to point it in a horizontal position. Check with your hygienist to learn the proper way to keep your implants clean. She will show you how to use all paraphanelia for cleaning the implants .

Waterpik angle: aim the waterpik at a 45 degree angle. Not directly straight down the implant.