Dental bridges are missing teeth restoration commonly used in modern dentistry. The restoration consists of artificial teeth that literally bridge the gap and are typically supported by surrounding natural teeth or by dental implants. In this article, we discuss how to care for dental bridges so they serve you for a long time.
How To Care for Dental Bridges
Proper and thorough oral hygiene is the most consequential step in caring for your dental bridge. We recommend following several other rules to preserve the bridge and your general oral health.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Some patients are afraid to disturb their new dental bridge by brushing it and the surrounding teeth. However, a dental bridge is designed to be stable, and a thorough cleaning is essential for the health of your teeth and for the bridge to last. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using a non-abrasive toothbrush, and take special care to brush the bridge and the teeth that support it. Make sure to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up in your mouth.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste and Rinse
Fluoride is highly beneficial for strengthening the enamel of the natural teeth. It makes the teeth more resilient to bacteria and cavities, leading to better oral health in general and more stable support for the bridge.
Also, choose a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid creating micro-scratches on the surface of the bridge. Such scratches can lead to the discoloration and staining of the bridge material.
Floss Properly
Flossing every evening is equally significant for your oral health and the longevity of your dental bridge. Make sure to remove all food residue between your natural teeth and between the dental bridge and the supporting teeth. Consider using a water flosser as an additional step to boost the effectiveness of your routine.
Clean Under Your Dental Bridge
Properly cleaning the space under and around the bridge can be challenging. However, it is crucial to do so to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. We recommend using special tools, such as floss threaders and interdental toothbrushes, available on the market. Ask your dentist to recommend suitable tools for you. Your dentist can also teach you how to use the tools properly and most effectively.
Have Regular Dental Checkups and Professional Cleanings
Even if your daily hygiene is impeccable, some plaque will still build up over time, especially in hard-to-reach places in the mouth (for example, underneath your dental restoration). Thus, regular professional cleanings are essential for adequately removing plaque and maintaining good oral health. Professional fluoride treatments can also be included in the procedure.
Regular checkups will help to spot any potential issues ahead of time and prevent them from developing into serious dental health issues. As a result, you can avoid more complex and expensive treatments in the future. It is recommended that a dental checkup and a professional cleaning be performed every six months.
Avoid Hard Foods
Even though dental bridges are typically quite durable, they are not invincible. To preserve the integrity of the bridge and prevent it from cracking or breaking, we recommend avoiding tough foods that require a lot of biting and chewing. Also, do not use your teeth as tools.
The Importance of Proper Care for Dental Bridges
Not taking proper care of your dental bridge and your oral health, in general, can result in several complications:
Tooth Decay
Insufficient dental hygiene always results in bacteria lingering underneath the bridge and on the remaining natural teeth. Over time, plaque and tartar—sticky and acidic substances filled with bacteria— accumulate in the area. Acid and bacteria destroy the enamel of the natural teeth surrounding the bridge and cause cavities and decay.
Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar accumulated under the dental bridge also negatively affect the gums, resulting in gum disease. Gum disease is a dangerous condition of chronic infection in the soft tissue of the gums that undermines the support for the natural teeth. Untreated gum disease can also penetrate deeper and reach the jaw bone, destroying its structure and causing tooth loss.
Bad Breath
If food debris and bacteria collect underneath the bridge and are not removed daily, it can lead to persistent bad breath. In addition, gum disease and decay of the natural teeth around the bridge caused by poor oral hygiene also lead to bad breath.
Dental Bridge Failure
Tooth decay of the teeth that support the bridge or gum disease can cause the bridge to become less stable. As a result, it can fail under the pressure of chewing food and eventually fall out.
Make an Appointment Today
Now that you know how to care for dental bridges, call our office today to make an appointment with one of our specialists to get high-quality dental bridges in Upland. In our dental office, we use up-to-date materials and methods to restore your smile and oral health. We are looking forward to you and your family visiting Smile Studio.