How Do I Care For My Dental Bridge?

Dental Bridge Care: Essential Tips & Best Practices For Longevity & Functionality

Dental bridges are a popular dental restoration option that can replace one or more missing teeth. They are made with one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. While bridges can be a great way to restore both the function and appearance of your teeth, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure longevity and effectiveness.

A Gilbert dentist will discuss some essential tips and best practices for dental bridge care. You’ll learn different cover topics, such as how to clean and maintain your bridge, what foods to avoid, and what signs to look for that may indicate a problem.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your dental bridge stays in great condition and continues to provide you with the functional benefits you need to maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Dental Bridge Care in Gilbert, AZ

Good Oral Hygiene Is Key

Good oral hygiene not only prevents the formation of bacteria. It also aids in the removal of byproducts such as plaque, tartar, and calculus. These appear in descending order, with calculus being the most difficult to remove. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are the next steps.

Just like natural teeth, dental bridges require regular brushing and flossing to keep them clean and bacteria-free. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day, paying extra attention to the area around the bridge.

Flossing is also necessary because it removes food particles and bacteria. Use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean the area around the bridge, but use them carefully! Otherwise, you may need to visit a Gilbert dentist because of dental bridge damage.

How To Do Your Own Dental Bridge Cleaning

If your bridge is removable, you should take it down and clean it daily. Our dentist recommends the following instructions:

To avoid breaking the bridge, stand over a sink full of water or a folded towel.
Brush the bridge with cool water and a soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush. You can also use denture cleaner. NEVER use abrasive household cleaners or toothpaste as they can scratch the bridge’s surface.
Rinse thoroughly with cool, clean water.
Leave your bridge in water overnight only if your dentist recommends it. Otherwise, it may rust if it has metal attachments.

Use A Water Flosser

Water flossers are an effective tool for cleaning dental bridges. They use a stream of water to flush out debris and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas. Water flossers are especially useful for people with braces, dental implants, or bridges, as they can clean around these dental appliances without causing damage.

Remember to use an antiseptic mouthwash after using the water flosser to keep your mouth and dental bridges clean.

Cleaning your teeth and using a water flosser help a lot, but you should also visit your Gilbert dentist at least once a year to keep your dental bridge in perfect condition.

Avoid Hard & Sticky Foods

You should also avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage or dislodge the bridge. Chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels can cause the bridge to break or loosen. Sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel, or taffy can pull the bridge out of place too.

Similarly, you should avoid using your teeth as tools, especially if you have dental bridges. Don’t open cans, bottles, or similar items with your mouth! It can cause serious damage to your bridge, not to mention all the bacteria you could be bringing to your mouth!

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can damage your dental bridge and increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. If you don’t want to visit your Gilbert dentist more frequently than usual, you should quit smoking.

Nicotine and tobacco products can cause staining and discoloration of the bridge, making it more visible and less aesthetically pleasing over time. These products are among the worst enemies of good oral health.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing any issues with your dental bridge. A diet rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals can help to strengthen your teeth and gums and reduce the risk of decay and gum disease.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial to maintaining good oral health and detecting any potential issues with your dental bridge. Your dentist will examine your bridge and surrounding teeth and gums for any signs of damage or decay. They may also recommend professional cleaning to remove any plaque buildup.

If you’re looking for a trusted dentist for your teeth, look no further than Gilbert Vista Dental. We have the necessary staff, experience, and updated equipment to improve your dental health. Contact us now for more information!