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A dental bridge is an effective permanent way to replace missing teeth. Tooth bridges are generally more practical than dentures, for example, since you don’t have to take them out and clean them all the time. Plus, they also look better and provide more comfort. If you’re interested in getting a dental bridge or discovering the benefits of one more extensively, the office door of Fresh Dental in Lakeview, Chicago, is open for you!
Dental bridges still require care despite not being as big of a chore as dentures, so knowing how to maintain them is very important. That said, it’s important to note that both permanent and temporary dental bridge care is important, and your dental health should always be a priority. That’s what we will be getting into today, so stay tuned to learn more about dental bridge care and how it works.
Why You Need to Care For Your Dental Bridge
A tooth bridge is made of two or more dental crowns placed upon adjacent teeth, also known as abutments. The pontic, i.e., the replacement tooth, is connected to the dental crowns. Because of this complex structure, it’s very important to take proper care of your implant bridge. After all, bits and pieces of food are bound to stick to your teeth after your daily meals.
Another important thing to note is that, despite your dental bridge being quite close to your gums, there will still be little gaps in the space where they meet. If not cleaned properly, they can be a recipe for infection. Bacteria and plaque will continue to accumulate in the gaps and can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. If things truly go south, you might even lose the abutment teeth and the whole bridge, so holding oral hygiene in high regard is extremely important.
Cleaning a Dental Bridge
The first and most important step towards proper dental bridge care is knowing how to clean your dental bridge correctly. Here are a few basic tips.
Tools to Use
To do the job properly, you need the right tools. The same is true when that job is cleaning your dental bridge. Now, if you plan to clean your dental bridge using floss, as you do with your natural teeth, you can kiss that idea goodbye. Regular floss will not be able to go through the replacement teeth as they are joined together. However, you can still use super floss, a floss threader, an interdental brush, or a water pick.
Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing come in a package, so you should brush them first before you get to flossing your teeth. However, you have to do it in the right way. That includes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing in circular motions at a forty-five-degree angle. As you can already tell, you can brush your dental bridge the same way you brush your natural teeth, so it’s really nothing to stress over.
Getting a Fluoride Rinse
Alongside fluoride toothpaste, you should also use a fluoride rinse, and using one is an important finishing move in a good oral health routine. While brushing and flossing can get rid of bits and pieces of food, rinsing is the perfect way to fight bacteria and tooth decay.
Which Foods You Should Avoid
Unfortunately, there are some foods you’ll need to be careful around after getting a dental bridge. Namely, you should definitely avoid sticky and hard foods, such as gum or various types of nuts. You should also avoid ice. That is especially important to note if your dental bridge is made of ceramic.
You should also be careful around hard candy, and you should definitely avoid opening things with your teeth since both of these can result in a chip. Also, keep in mind that if you chip one of your replacement teeth, you’ll need to have the entire dental bridge replaced.
Avoiding sugary and acidic drinks and beverages is also beneficial, as is cutting down on smoking and other tobacco products. Certain foods and beverages should also be avoided in order to prevent staining.
To make everything feel a bit more understandable, here is a concise list of beverages and foods that are best avoided if possible:
- Hard candies
- Raw carrots
- Popcorn kernels
- Chips
- Caramels and gum
- All types of nuts
- Foods with too much sugar
- Wine
- Coffee
- Coca Cola
- Apples
- Crunchy vegetables
- Cold and hot beverages and foods
Dental Bridge Maintenance Through Regular Checkups
Other very important parts of dental bridge care include regular checkups and professional cleanings. Oftentimes, you won’t be able to clean all the plaque and bacteria that builds up around your teeth and your tooth bridge. That is why getting a professional cleaning every once in a while is incredibly important. Scaling and polishing are also good ways to prevent gum disease and other dental diseases.
Your dentist will also assess the condition of your dental bridge every time you have an appointment, just to make sure everything is the way it should be. That way, you can corner any potential problems early on.
In Conclusion
The first few days after you get your dental bridge can be particularly tricky. That is due to the fact that you’ll probably notice sensitivity to cold and hot beverages and foods. However, this is normal, and you can always ask your dentist for products that can minimize this temperature sensitivity problem.
While you’re still getting used to your dental bridge, you should stick to foods that are easy to chew. And, when it comes to your dental health routine, you should make sure to make it a priority. Other than that, be sure not to miss your dentist appointments and follow the professional’s advice since it will greatly aid you in your dental bridge care journey.
