Surbiton Dental 395 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7DG
At Surbiton Dental, we understand that healthy teeth and gums are the foundation of a confident smile and lasting oral health. If you have dental implants, maintaining them through excellent oral hygiene and regular dental care is essential.
The long-term success of dental implants depends largely on how well they are maintained. Regular dental visits are vital, as your dentist will develop a personalised program to ensure the ongoing health of your implants and remaining natural teeth.
Periodontal (gum) disease can occur when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned. If left untreated, this condition can lead to bone loss, which weakens the supporting structures around your teeth and implants.
Over time, this can result in the loss of dental implants as well as natural teeth. That’s why early detection, prevention and ongoing maintenance are key to protecting your smile.
At Surbiton Dental, our periodontal specialist in Surbiton offers expert consultations to assess gum health, detect early signs of disease and provide tailored treatment plans to keep your implants and gums in optimal condition.

Daily brushing and flossing are absolutely essential for the long-term success of your dental implants. In addition to these basics, your dentist may recommend supplemental cleaning tools designed specifically for implant maintenance.
Your dentist will also create a home care routine customised to your individual needs, ensuring every part of your mouth, natural teeth, implants and gums, stays clean and healthy.
Your dentist may recommend using a cordless electric toothbrush, as it can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria around implants.
Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, your dentist and hygienist will demonstrate the correct brushing techniques to make sure you’re cleaning each area thoroughly and safely. That said, here are a few methods to maintain your dental implants at home:

Oral Irrigation Systems
Oral irrigation systems, such as water flossers, have been proven effective in reducing plaque buildup around both dental implants and natural teeth. Your dentist may recommend incorporating an irrigator into your daily routine and could also suggest using a special mouth rinse to further support gum health and reduce bacteria.
Flossing
Daily flossing remains a cornerstone of good oral hygiene. Using floss threaders makes it easier to clean around dental implants, under bridges and beneath connecting bars, ensuring plaque and food particles are effectively removed from hard-to-reach areas. Your dentist may also suggest special types of floss designed specifically for implants or sensitive gums.
Interproximal Brushes (Proxy Brushes)
Interproximal brushes, commonly known as proxy brushes, are small, specially designed dental brushes used to clean between teeth and around implants. While they do not replace floss, these brushes are particularly useful for cleaning difficult areas that regular floss cannot reach. Your dental hygienist will demonstrate how to use them properly to avoid damaging your gums or implant surfaces.

Routine professional cleanings play a vital role in maintaining implant and gum health. It is generally recommended that patients visit their dentist every 3 to 6 months for a professional cleaning.
However, your dentist will design a bespoke dental visit program tailored to your individual oral health needs, taking into account your gum condition, implant status and home care effectiveness.
Most commercial toothpastes contain fluoride, which is beneficial for protecting natural teeth and does not harm dental implant restorations.
However, it’s important to avoid toothpastes that contain abrasive ingredients such as baking soda, stain removers, or smokers’ toothpastes, as these can cause wear on acrylic materials and remove the glaze from porcelain restorations.
Your dentist may recommend a low-abrasive, implant-safe toothpaste to protect both your natural and artificial teeth.
Many commercial mouth rinses are designed primarily to provide a fresh breath feeling and often contain alcohol.
Alcohol-based mouthwashes can cause dryness of the mouth, which may lead to discomfort or even worsen certain oral conditions. Patients with dry mouth or sensitive gums should use alcohol-free mouth rinses, which are widely available today.
Additionally, your dentist might suggest antiseptic mouthwashes that help reduce
bacteria, plaque and inflammation, supporting both natural teeth and dental implants.
At Surbiton Dental, we take a comprehensive approach to gum and implant health. Our periodontal specialist works closely with patients to prevent disease, maintain strong supporting structures and ensure the longevity of both implants and natural teeth.
We combine professional care with personalised home hygiene guidance to help you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
Whether you require routine maintenance, periodontal therapy, or a specialist consultation for implant care, our team in Surbiton is here to support your long-term oral health.
If you have dental implants, bleeding gums, or concerns about your gum health, schedule a consultation with our periodontal specialist at Surbiton Dental today. Our team will assess your oral condition, design a tailored maintenance plan and help you protect your smile for the years to come.
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James was very professional, able to quickly establish rapport and provided a thorough service. As a result I felt comfortable, informed and happy to become…”
Very professional and friendly. Gave me more information than I expected which answered pre existing questions that I had. Left feeling satisfied with the visit. ”
Very professional and made a big effort to get me in a relaxed state after I revealed my fear of dentists.”
I was extremely impressed with James, he took great care and was extremely professional. I felt that I was in good hands and I was…”
James provided me with the best knowledge any dentist has ever been able to give to me. The appointment went extremely quick which was very…”
