Do You Still Need to Floss With Implants, Dentures, or Bridges?

If you have dental implants, dentures or a bridge, you may wonder:

Do I still need to floss?

The answer depends on what is in your mouth.

If you still have natural teeth, you generally still need to clean between them.

If you have implants or a fixed bridge, you also need to remove plaque from areas a regular toothbrush cannot reach.

But traditional string floss is only one option.

Depending on your dental work and dexterity, an:

• interdental brush
• floss threader
• floss holder
• water flosser

may be easier or more practical.

The goal is not to use floss at all costs.

The goal is to remove plaque from the spaces your toothbrush cannot adequately clean.

Why a Toothbrush Is Not Enough

A toothbrush cleans the exposed surfaces of teeth and restorations.

But its bristles cannot effectively reach every:

• space between natural teeth
• area beneath a dental bridge
• implant surface
• attachment around an implant-supported denture

Plaque forms on natural teeth and dental prostheses.

If it is not removed, inflammation can develop around the gums and supporting tissues.

If You Have Natural Teeth

The basic recommendation remains simple:

Clean between your teeth regularly, aiming for once a day.

Possible tools include:

• dental floss
• floss picks
• interdental brushes
• water flossers
• other interdental cleaners recommended by your dental team

You do not have to use traditional string floss if another method works better for you.

If You Have a Single Dental Implant

A single implant crown may look and feel much like a natural tooth.

But the implant cannot develop a cavity.

The tissue around it can still become inflamed.

Problems around implants include:

• peri-implant mucositis
• peri-implantitis

Daily plaque removal is therefore still important.

Depending on the shape of the implant crown and spaces around it, your dental team may recommend:

• floss
• an implant-safe interdental brush
• water flossing
• another specialized cleaner

Is Regular Floss Safe Around Implants?

It can be appropriate in some situations, but technique matters.

Implant restorations differ in shape.

Some have:

• very tight contacts
• larger spaces
• bridges
• complex contours

Ask your hygienist to demonstrate how they want you to clean around your particular implant.

Do not force a device into a space that is too small.

Interdental Brushes Around Implants

Small interdental brushes can be especially useful when there is enough space between:

• implants
• natural teeth
• bridgework

Choose the correct size.

A brush that is too small may not clean effectively.

A brush that is too large may be uncomfortable or traumatic.

Some interdental brushes designed for implants use coated wire to reduce the chance of scratching implant surfaces.

Water Flossers and Implants

A water flosser can be a useful alternative when:

• string floss is difficult
• hand dexterity is limited
• implant restorations have complicated spaces

It does not mean you need to use the highest pressure setting.

Start at a comfortable setting and follow the instructions for your device.

If your dentist has given specific instructions for an implant restoration, follow those instead.

If You Have a Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed bridge usually includes one or more replacement teeth attached to supporting teeth or implants.

You cannot pull ordinary floss straight down between the connected bridge units.

But plaque and food can collect:

• underneath the replacement tooth
• beside supporting teeth
• along the gumline

These areas still need daily cleaning.

How to Clean Under a Bridge

Floss Threader

A floss threader helps guide floss underneath the bridge.

Once underneath, gently clean:

• the side of each supporting tooth
• the underside of the replacement tooth

Specialized Floss

Some floss products include a stiffened end that can be passed underneath a bridge.

Interdental Brush

If there is enough space, an interdental brush may be easier than floss.

Water Flosser

A water flosser can be particularly convenient under a bridge.

The best method is the one that fits the bridge and that you can perform consistently.

If You Have a Removable Partial Denture

A partial denture is different from a fixed bridge.

Take the partial denture out for cleaning.

Then clean the natural teeth that remain.

Pay particular attention to:

• teeth supporting clasps
• areas next to the partial denture
• spaces between natural teeth

Plaque can accumulate around the supporting teeth and increase the risk of:

• cavities
• gum inflammation

Clean the partial denture separately according to your dentist’s instructions.

Do You Floss a Full Denture?

If you have a conventional complete denture and no natural teeth, there are no natural spaces between teeth to floss.

But you still need daily mouth care.

Clean:

• the denture
• gums
• tongue
• roof of the mouth

A full denture can accumulate plaque and food even though it cannot develop a cavity.

Clean the Denture Separately

Remove removable dentures before cleaning them.

Clean them daily using a method appropriate for the denture material.

A nonabrasive denture cleanser can help remove plaque and debris.

Do not assume that brushing a denture with the same fluoride toothpaste used for natural teeth is the best method.

The cleanser should be appropriate for removable prostheses.

What If You Have an Implant-Supported Denture?

This depends on whether the denture is:

• removable
• fixed

Removable Implant Overdenture

Remove the denture as directed and clean:

• the denture
• implant attachments
• surrounding tissues

Your dental team may recommend:

• a small brush
• interdental brush
• water flosser

for the attachments.

Fixed Full-Arch Implant Bridge

A fixed implant bridge cannot be removed by you.

Food and plaque can collect underneath it.

Specialized cleaning may involve:

• threader floss
• interdental brushes
• water flossing
• specialized implant brushes

Ask for a hands-on demonstration.

Arthritis or Limited Hand Dexterity?

Traditional floss may be frustrating if you have:

• arthritis
• tremor
• weakness
• limited finger motion

Alternatives include:

• floss holders
• interdental brushes
• water flossers
• larger-handled tools

There is no oral-health prize for using string floss when another safe method works better.

Which Tool Is Best?

Tight Spaces Between Natural Teeth

Floss may work best.

Larger Spaces or Receding Gums

An interdental brush may be easier and more effective.

Under a Bridge

A floss threader, interdental brush or water flosser may work.

Complex Implant Restorations

You may need a combination of tools.

Ask your hygienist to show you exactly where plaque tends to accumulate.

Don’t Use Ordinary Toothpicks or Sharp Objects

Do not try to clean around implants or bridges with:

• needles
• pins
• metal objects
• knives

Use a device designed for oral cleaning.

Bleeding When You Clean

If your gums bleed when you begin cleaning between teeth, do not automatically conclude that floss is damaging them.

Bleeding can be a sign of:

• gingivitis
• periodontal disease
• inflammation around an implant

But an overly large interdental brush or aggressive technique can also injure tissue.

If bleeding:

• continues
• is heavy
• occurs around an implant
• is accompanied by swelling or pus

have the area examined.

Signs an Implant or Bridge Needs Professional Attention

Call the dentist if you notice:

• persistent bleeding
• swelling
• pus
• new pain
• persistent bad taste
• movement of an implant or bridge
• difficulty cleaning an area that was previously easy to clean

An implant itself should not move.

Ask Your Hygienist to Demonstrate

One of the most useful things you can do at a dental appointment is say:

“Please show me exactly how you want me to clean under this bridge or around this implant.”

Bring your:

• floss
• interdental brush
• water-flosser tip

if necessary.

The correct technique is easier to understand when someone demonstrates it in your own mouth.