17 Dec 2023
Getting a dental bridge can significantly improve your self-esteem and quality of life. However, bridges do not last forever. Proper care and maintenance are needed to keep them intact and in good condition over the years. Keep reading to learn how to care for your dental bridge and help it last as long as possible.
Understanding the Importance of Dental Bridge Aftercare
The Role of Dental Bridge Aftercare in Maintaining Oral Health
Keeping your teeth clean is the first and most important step in caring for your dental bridge. When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from your mouth. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, ensuring that the teeth that are supporting your dental bridge remain intact.
How Maintenance Can Prolong Your Bridge’s Lifespan
In addition to keeping up with your oral hygiene, you must also visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to keep your bridge in good condition. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums during each visit and treat any problems they find immediately. This keeps the issues from getting worse and prevents them from negatively impacting your bridge’s longevity.
Tips – How to Clean a Dental Bridge
Brush Twice Daily: The Right Way to Brush Your Dental Bridge
Clean your teeth for 2-3 minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day. Don’t forget to brush all the sides of your teeth. Careful, diligent brushing is necessary when you have a dental bridge. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and use gentle circular motions to clean your teeth. Pay special attention to the margins of your bridge where plaque and food particles may be lurking.
Flossing Techniques for Effective Dental Bridge Cleaning at Night
Flossing your teeth will clean where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use waxed floss to make flossing around your dental bridge easier. Be sure to floss all the way down each tooth and under your dental bridge. Use a clean segment of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria from one tooth to the next.
Rinsing with the Appropriate Mouthwash for Dental Bridge Care
Rinsing your mouth with an alcohol-free fluoridated mouthwash helps kill the bacteria in your mouth between brushing sessions. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it into the sink. Do not rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Foods To Enjoy and Avoid for Dental Bridge Maintenance
Foods That Are Dental Bridge-Friendly
One of the main dental bridge advantages is that the prosthetic will allow you to eat foods that require more chewing. However, it is a good idea to eat softer foods whenever possible. Choose foods like:
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft fruits like berries and bananas
- Soft meats like chicken and fish
- Cooked grains like rice and pasta
- Soft breads
- Dairy products like cheese and milk
Foods That May Harm Your Dental Bridge
Certain foods are more likely than others to damage your dental bridge. Limit your consumption of:
- Sticky foods like caramel and gummies
- Chewy foods like bagels and jerky
- Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and raw celery and carrots
Regular Dental Check-Ups to Enhance Your Bridge’s Lifespan
Professional care is just as important as home care when it comes to keeping your bridge intact.
The Significance of Routine Dental Visits
Visiting your dentist for routine check-ups will significantly extend the life of your dental bridge. Your dentist will monitor your bridge for signs of damage and keep your abutment teeth healthy and stable.
How Dental Professionals Can Help Maintain Your Dental Bridge
Dental professionals can help you keep your bridge in optimal shape in multiple ways.
- They can diagnose and treat oral health problems that may threaten the stability of your bridge before they get severe enough to do so.
- Professional cleanings will help you keep your teeth free of tartar build-up.
- They can provide expert guidance on topics like diet and oral hygiene that will help you make your bridge last longer.
- They can refer you to specialists for advanced care (including installing different specialized dental bridge types) if needed.
Professional Dental Bridge Services Available at Trillium Smile Dentistry
As long as you are diligent with your home care and attend regular dental check-ups, your dental bridge should serve you well for many years. Whether you need to have a dental bridge installed or need help caring for one you already have, our team at Trillium Smile Dentistry is here for you. Contact us today to inquire about dental bridge costs or to book your appointment and get started.
Also Read: A Complete Guide to Dental Bridges