The best way to prevent infection and dental implant failure is to keep your mouth clean. This means cleaning your mouth thoroughly after each meal and before you go to sleep, beginning the day after your procedure. At St. Louis County Dental, we recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush, nylon-coated floss, and toothpaste that contains non-abrasive ingredients to ensure that you don’t accidentally scratch the implant or irritate the oral structures supporting it.