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How to Clean Around Dental Implants

Priya Grewal · September 3, 2025 ·

A Complete Guide

Dental implants can last a lifetime — when you know how to care for them. Daily cleaning and regular checkups keep your smile strong at any age.

Dental implants are one of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth — but they also require proper care. If you’ve invested in implants, you may be wondering how to clean around dental implants to make sure they last a lifetime.

The good news? With the right techniques and tools, keeping your implants healthy is simple.

Why Cleaning Dental Implants Is Different

Unlike natural teeth, implants don’t have enamel. Instead, the implant is surrounded by gum tissue and bone that need extra care. Poor cleaning can lead to peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant), which may cause implant failure.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Around Dental Implants

1. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Choose a manual or electric toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard bristles can scratch the implant surface and irritate gums.

2. Brush (At least) Twice Daily

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and gently clean around the implant crown, gumline, and all sides of the implant. Make sure you do this more often after a sticky/chewy meal!

3. Floss Daily With Implant-Safe Tools

Traditional floss can sometimes shred around implants. Instead, try:

Implant-specific floss (like Super Floss)
Water flossers (gentle, effective, and easy once you learn how to use it effectively)

4. Rinse With an Antimicrobial Mouthwash

Use an alcohol-free rinse to reduce bacteria and protect gum health.

5. Schedule SPECIALIZED Regular Professional Cleanings

Your dentist and hygienists can use special instruments that won’t scratch the implant. At Spring Valley Dental, we have the EMS airflow Machine that helps implants while preserving their surface in a non invasive way.

Do’s and Don’ts for Implant Care

✅ Do:

Use non-abrasive toothpaste
Clean between implants daily
Ask your dentist about the best products for your mouth

❌ Don’t:

Use hard-bristled brushes or metal picks
Skip dental visits
Ignore bleeding or swelling around your implant

Signs Your Implants Need Attention

If you notice any of these, call your dentist right away:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Consistently having food trapped around implants
Persistent bad breath
Pain when chewing
A loose implant crown

Keep Your Smile Healthy with Spring Valley Dental

Knowing how to clean around dental implants is the first step to protecting your investment. The second step? Partnering with a dentist who understands your unique needs.

At Spring Valley Dental, we specialize in caring for patients with implants — from routine cleanings to personalized guidance on oral care at home.

📞 Call us today to schedule your next cleaning and keep your smile strong for years to come: (202) 244-5900

Discover the Magic of No-Prep Veneers: What You Need to Know Before You Transform Your Smile

Priya Grewal · August 15, 2025 ·

If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfect, luminous smile without the hassle of extensive dental work, no-prep veneers at Spring Valley Dental could be your answer. Our Washington, DC team specializes in helping patients achieve beautiful results with the most conservative approach possible — and no-prep veneers fit that philosophy perfectly.

What Are No-Prep Veneers?

No-prep veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that bond directly to the front of your teeth. Unlike traditional veneers, which often require removing a small amount of enamel, no-prep veneers involve little to no alteration of your natural tooth structure. This means:

A quicker, more comfortable process
Minimal impact on your natural teeth
In some cases, a reversible treatment

When Are No-Prep Veneers a Good Choice?

No-prep veneers are ideal for improving minor cosmetic issues, including:

Slight tooth discoloration or staining
Small chips or worn edges
Minimal misalignment
Spaces or small gaps between teeth

They may not be the best choice for severe crowding, large restorations, or significant misalignment. At your consultation, we’ll evaluate your smile to see if no-prep veneers are the right fit.

Key Things to Know Before Choosing No-Prep Veneers

Even though they require little to no enamel removal, no-prep veneers still require careful planning. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Precision Matters: Proper design and placement are essential for natural-looking results.
Durability: No-prep veneers are strong and stain-resistant but still require good oral care.
Possible Reversibility: While sometimes reversible, this isn’t guaranteed for every case.

Your Next Step to a Confident Smile

No-prep veneers offer a quick, comfortable way to transform your smile without extensive dental work. If you’re curious about this minimally invasive option, schedule a consultation with Spring Valley Dental in Washington, DC today. Let’s create a smile you’ll be proud to share.

Teeth Whitening DC — Red, White & Bright Smiles

Aly Jacobs · July 2, 2025 ·

This July, let your smile shine as brightly as the fireworks. At Spring Valley Dental, we believe confidence starts with a healthy, radiant smile. Our professional teeth whitening DC treatments are one of the easiest ways to get there.

Celebrating summer with bright smiles and sparkling moments — show off your confidence after teeth whitening DC treatments at Spring Valley Dental.

This July, Let Your Smile Shine Bright

At Spring Valley Dental, we believe confidence starts with a healthy, radiant smile — and our professional teeth whitening DC treatments are one of the easiest ways to get there.

Why Do Teeth Become Stained?

Coffee, red wine, and everyday habits can all leave stains behind. Over time, these stains build up and make your smile look dull. Even if you brush and floss every day, it can be hard to remove deeper discoloration without help.

How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works

Our in-office whitening solutions can lift years of stains in as little as one visit. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly 48% of people say a smile is the most memorable feature after meeting someone. Nothing makes a smile stand out more than a bright, white finish.

Dr. Priya Grewal offers several safe, powerful whitening options. Each is far more effective than over-the-counter products. Most patients see their teeth lighten by up to ten shades in a single session. There is no downtime and no discomfort.

In addition, studies show professional whitening can last up to 2–3 years with good care. This far exceeds the results of store-bought kits.

Considering a Longer-Term Solution?

If you are looking for a more dramatic transformation, we also offer porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin, natural-looking shells that bond to your teeth. They improve color, shape, and symmetry.

This option is ideal for patients who want to elevate their smile while keeping it natural and effortless. In fact, 86% of cosmetic dental patients choose veneers to improve their self-esteem and appearance.

Experience Luxury Dental Care in DC

This summer, treat yourself to a fresh start and a confident smile. At Spring Valley Dental, luxury dental care means more than treatment. It’s an experience rooted in comfort, beauty, and connection to our DC community.

Book Your Consultation Today

Schedule your teeth whitening consultation today. Step into the season with a smile that turns heads.

Heading to Sleepaway Camp? Make Sure Your Child’s Smile is Ready!

Aly Jacobs · May 28, 2025 ·

Summer is an exciting time—especially if your child is heading to sleepaway camp. But before they pack the bug spray and bathing suits, don’t forget one critical thing: their smile! These essential kids dental care tips before summer camp will help you set your child up for a healthy, cavity-free season.

At Spring Valley Dental, we want every camper to feel confident and comfortable—starting with their dental health. Here’s how to keep their smile strong all summer long.

1. Essential Pre-Camp Dental Check-Up for Kids’ Summer Smiles

A dental exam before camp can help catch issues like cavities, gum inflammation, or loose fillings—before they become painful problems far from home. We recommend scheduling an appointment at least 2–3 weeks ahead of camp to allow time for any necessary treatment.

2. Pack a Camp-Ready Dental Hygiene Kit

Set your camper up for success with a well-stocked, kid-friendly dental kit. Be sure to include:

A toothbrush (pack a spare or two!) — we recommend Quip for Kids for a compact, battery-operated option
Fluoridated toothpaste with the ADA seal
Dental floss or floss picks (perfect for sticky marshmallow s’mores!)
Alcohol-free mouthwash in a small, camp-approved bottle
A ventilated case for toothbrush storage
Orthodontic wax (for kids with braces)
Retainer case, if needed

Pro Tip: A toothbrush with a fun design or glow-in-the-dark feature can make brushing more exciting.

3. Essential Brushing & Flossing Tips for Kids Before Summer Camp

Camp routines can get chaotic—don’t let oral hygiene slip through the cracks! Before your child leaves, reinforce the “2-2-1” rule:

Brush 2 times a day
For 2 full minutes
And floss 1 time a day

Practice together using a timer or a favorite campfire song. Encourage them to brush with a buddy at camp—it makes it more fun and consistent!

4. Smarter Snacking: What to Pack (and What to Skip)

While it’s tempting to fill care packages with candy, sticky snacks can raise the risk of cavities. Try these tooth-friendly alternatives instead:

Sugar-free or xylitol gum (helps fight cavities)
Nut mixes or low-sugar granola bars
Chocolate (yes, it’s better than chewy gummies!)

➡️ See more snack tips from the Mouth Healthy site by ADA.

5. Know the Camp’s Dental Emergency Plan

Accidents happen—especially at active camps! Ask the camp:

Do they have a local dentist on call?
Will you be notified right away?
What’s their process if a child chips a tooth or feels pain?

Also, provide your our contact information so the camp can act quickly if needed.

A Confident Smile Starts with Preparation

Sleepaway camp is a time for making memories and building independence. These essential kids dental care tips before summer camp ensure your child is ready to smile through every adventure—worry-free.

Need to schedule your child’s pre-camp dental checkup?

📞 Call Spring Valley Dental today: (202) 244-5900

Spring Oral Health Tips: 5 Ways to Refresh Your Smile

Priya Grewal · May 20, 2025 ·

Outdoor seating at Millie’s is in full swing—complete with Frosé and ice cream—which means spring has officially arrived in Spring Valley! And let’s be honest, we’re soaking up every minute before DC turns into a full-blown sauna. As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to hit refresh—not just on your home, but on your smile, too. That’s why we’ve put together these easy spring oral health tips to help you step into the season feeling fresh, confident, and ready for whatever spring brings—whether it’s weddings, graduations, or just soaking up the sun.

1. Schedule Your Spring Cleaning
Your teeth deserve the same attention as your spring-cleaned closet! If it’s been six months or more since your last checkup, now is the time to book your dental cleaning. Regular professional cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and stains that daily brushing can miss. It also gives our team a chance to catch any small issues before they become bigger problems.

2. Brighten Up with Professional Whitening
Get summer-ready with a whiter, more radiant smile. Our professional teeth whitening services are safe, effective, and tailored to your smile goals. Whether you have a big event coming up or just want a confidence boost, whitening is a quick way to refresh your appearance. Say goodbye to over-the-counter strips and hello to real results.

3. Refresh Your Dental Products
Spring is a great time to take stock of your bathroom essentials. Replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) if it’s older than 3-4 months or if the bristles are frayed. Choose fluoride toothpaste and consider switching to an electric toothbrush for a deeper clean. Don’t forget about floss and mouthwash—consistency is key!

4. Hydrate for a Healthy Smile
With warmer days ahead, hydration is more important than ever. Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, supports saliva production, and keeps your mouth healthy and balanced.

5. Make Prevention a Priority for the Whole Family
Beyond cleanings, consider preventive treatments like fluoride applications, dental sealants, or custom night guards if you grind your teeth. If you have kids, spring is a great time to get them in for a checkup before summer camps and travel kick in. Staying ahead of potential issues can save time and stress down the road.

Ready to Refresh Your Smile?
We’re here to help you shine this season! Contact Spring Valley Dental today to schedule your appointment or learn more about our services. Let’s make this your healthiest, happiest smile yet. Call us today: 202-244-5900.