Protect Your Smile with the Experts at Solid Bite in Melbourne, FL
Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking ways to replace missing teeth—but just like your natural teeth, they need consistent care to last. At Solid Bite in Melbourne, FL, implant dentists Dr. Lee Sheldon, Dr. Michel Furtado, and Dr. Matt Sheldon emphasize that keeping your implants clean is the key to maintaining not only your smile’s beauty but also your long-term oral health.
Even though implants don’t decay like natural teeth, the surrounding gums and bone are still vulnerable to infection if bacteria aren’t kept under control. With the right daily habits and professional care, your implants can last for decades—or even a lifetime.
Patients across Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, and Merritt Island trust Solid Bite for their dental implant maintenance, periodontal therapy, and complete oral restoration. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and keep your implants clean and healthy. Call 321.259.8000 today!
Why Cleaning Dental Implants Is So Important
It’s a common misconception that once implants are placed, they require less care than natural teeth. The truth is, implants need just as much attention—if not more.
While the titanium post of your implant is immune to decay, the gum tissue and jawbone around it are living structures that need to stay healthy. If bacteria accumulate around the gum line, they can trigger peri-implant mucositis—the early stage of gum inflammation—or progress into peri-implantitis, which causes bone loss and can lead to implant failure.
Dr. Lee Sheldon often reminds patients that good hygiene is what keeps implants stable for the long haul. “An implant is only as strong as the tissue supporting it,” he explains. “Protect the gums, and you protect the implant.”
Brush Twice a Day—Gently and Thoroughly
Brushing twice daily remains the foundation of implant maintenance. However, how you brush matters as much as how often.
Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush to avoid scratching the implant’s surface or irritating the gums. Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gum line and make small, circular motions to loosen plaque without excessive pressure.
Stick to non-abrasive toothpaste, since whitening or gritty formulas can dull the shine of your porcelain crowns or scratch the surface of the restoration.
Dr. Matt Sheldon recommends upgrading to an electric toothbrush for consistent cleaning power, especially for patients with multiple implants or bridge restorations.
Don’t Skip Flossing—Use Implant-Safe Tools
Flossing is critical to removing plaque between teeth and along the gum line. Regular floss can sometimes shred or get caught on the edge of the implant crown, so it’s best to use implant-specific floss or a floss threader designed for dental work.
For patients with multiple implants or tight spaces, interdental brushes—small cone-shaped brushes that fit between teeth—are highly effective at cleaning without damaging the implant.
Dr. Michel Furtado, who specializes in periodontics and implant maintenance, often demonstrates the technique during appointments so patients feel confident caring for their implants at home. “Your tools should do the work, not your pressure,” he says. “Gentle, consistent cleaning always wins.”
Rinse with an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing is an easy way to reduce bacteria after brushing and flossing. Choose an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to protect your gums without drying them out.
For patients prone to inflammation, a rinse containing chlorhexidine or essential oils can help manage bacteria and prevent plaque buildup. Alternatively, a warm saltwater rinse—one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water—can naturally soothe gums after brushing.
Add a Water Flosser to Your Routine
A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, can be an excellent supplement to your routine. It uses a gentle, pressurized stream of water to flush away plaque, food debris, and bacteria from beneath the gum line and between implants.
At Solid Bite, our team often recommends water flossers for patients with All-on-4® implants, bridges, or hard-to-reach areas that traditional floss can’t clean effectively. For an added boost, you can even fill your water flosser with a diluted antibacterial mouth rinse.
Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings
Even the most disciplined home routine can’t remove every trace of buildup. That’s where professional maintenance comes in.
At Solid Bite, we use implant-safe ultrasonic instruments and plastic-tipped scalers—never metal—to clean around your implants. These specialized tools prevent scratching and ensure the titanium surface remains intact.
During your visit, Dr. Furtado or Dr. Sheldon will also examine your bite, check your gum health, and evaluate the bone supporting your implants using advanced imaging technology. Early detection of inflammation or misalignment helps prevent serious complications later on.
Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning every 3 to 6 months, depending on their individual needs.
Watch Out for Harmful Habits
Even the strongest implant can’t stand up to years of wear from damaging habits. To keep your implants safe, avoid:
- Smoking or vaping, which restricts blood flow and slows healing in the gums.
- Chewing on hard items like ice, fingernails, or pens, which can chip porcelain crowns.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth—if you suffer from bruxism, a custom night guard can protect your implants and natural teeth alike.
- Skipping dental visits, as small problems can progress quickly without professional monitoring.
A few mindful choices go a long way in keeping your implants strong and your gums healthy.
Eat for Implant Health
Your diet has a direct impact on your gum and bone health. A balanced diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids supports the tissue surrounding your implants and promotes long-term stability.
Drink plenty of water to rinse away food debris and stay hydrated, and limit sugary snacks or highly acidic drinks that can irritate gum tissue.
Healthy gums create a stable foundation for implants—think of it as feeding the soil that keeps your smile rooted.
Recognize Early Warning Signs
If you notice changes around your implants, don’t wait to call your dentist. Early detection can prevent more serious issues down the line.
Contact Solid Bite if you experience:
- Redness, swelling, or bleeding gums
- Tenderness or discomfort when chewing
- A metallic taste in your mouth
- A loose or shifting implant crown
Dr. Lee Sheldon and his team can diagnose the problem and recommend treatments—ranging from deep cleanings to laser therapy—to stop infection and restore balance.
The Role of Professional Periodontal Care
While general dentists provide excellent care, periodontists like Dr. Furtado and Dr. Lee Sheldon specialize in the tissues that support dental implants. Their expertise in gum and bone health ensures every implant is surrounded by a stable, healthy foundation.
At Solid Bite, patients benefit from:
- Advanced digital imaging for precision diagnostics
- Minimally invasive periodontal treatments
- Laser-assisted cleaning and surgery for comfort and accuracy
- Custom maintenance plans for every implant patient
These comprehensive techniques make Solid Bite one of the most trusted implant centers in Florida.
Long-Term Implant Care Is Lifelong Smile Care
The beauty of dental implants lies in their strength and permanence—but their success depends on your care routine. By brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visiting your dentist regularly, you’re investing in years of confident, healthy smiles.
At Solid Bite, we combine decades of expertise with the latest technology to ensure your implants last a lifetime. Our doctors don’t just place implants—they maintain them, protect them, and empower patients to do the same.
For clean, healthy, and long-lasting dental implants, schedule your next cleaning with Solid Bite in Melbourne, FL.
Call 321.259.8000 today to book an appointment with Dr. Lee Sheldon, Dr. Michel Furtado, or Dr. Matt Sheldon, serving patients throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, and Merritt Island.
Because every strong smile deserves expert care—inside and out.