Page 61 - Southdown Dental Implant Book

60 | GETYOURSMILEBACK:EVERYTHINGYOUNEEDTOKNOW... important. You can also use a mouthwash to rinse more thoroughly, in order to protect against any bacteria that wants to make a home in your mouth and breed there. You have to be gentle as well as thorough: Scratches on the metal surface of your implant posts and bar are a fabulous breeding ground for bacteria; so it’s important to avoid ANY tool or technique that may damage the surface of any part of your implant structure. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t use any hefty cleaning tools (metal picks, etc.) around anything to do with your dental implants. Also, when you’re brushing and cleaning, don’t use unnecessary force – sawing on your gums while flossing is another no-no. RULE OF THUMB: THOROUGH + GENTLE = GOOD DENTAL IMPLANT MAINTENANCE