Caring for and Maintaining Your Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth. This dental restoration can make it easier for you to smile, speak, or eat. It can improve your appearance and dental health at the same time. Proper care and maintenance can help these restorations last for a long time. Here are some ways to keep your dental bridge in top shape.

Immediate dental bridge care

The general dentist will help guide the patient right after the placement of the dental bridge. There will be sensitivity and tenderness in the area. These side effects are normal and will fade after a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease the discomfort. Even if the area is painful, it is important to floss and brush it softly. Use antibacterial mouthwash after.

Maintaining the dental bridge

The patient can enjoy a functional and attractive smile once the dental bridge has bonded. It may take some time to get used to it, but it will be worth the effort. The dentist can provide some pointers for maintaining this restoration. Here are some of them:

• Brush twice daily and floss before bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will remove bacteria and food particles. Avoid picking whitening toothpaste because these products might damage the restorations. Flossing can clean between natural teeth. It can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• See the general dentist for regular checkups. These visits must happen two times a year. But the dentist can recommend more frequent visits if the patient is prone to dental problems. The dentist can provide a professional dental cleaning during each visit. This will help keep the teeth underneath the bridge in good health.
• Always clean underneath the dental bridge. Interproximal brushes, floss threaders, or dental picks can help remove food particles between the gums and the restoration.
• Avoid chewing or biting specific foods. Raw vegetables, sticky foods, and ice are a few of the foods that can break a dental bridge. The damage may be significant enough to replace the bridge.
• Consider using a water pick. Some dentists recommend this dental cleaning tool to those who have difficulty flossing. For a dental bridge, a water pick can clean along the gumline and between teeth better than traditional floss. Of course, finish with an antibacterial mouthwash.

The right fit

The patient must make sure that the dental bridge is a good fit before leaving the dental clinic. It should not dig into or leave a gap. These gaps will allow food particles to enter the space between the restoration and the gumline. If the dental bridge is ill-fitting, the stuck food particles in the gap will cause bad breath and even gum disease.

Cleaning the dental bridge at home

A person with a removable dental bridge can take it off and clean it every day. This can give the patient a chance to clean the teeth underneath the bridge. It also allows the patient to clean the gum area as well. Here are the steps for cleaning a dental bridge at home:

• Fill the sink with water. There should be a folded towel between the sink and the person. Either the water or the towel can catch the dental bridge in case it falls.
• Brush the restoration with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use cool water because hot water can warp it. A denture cleaner can also help remove stuck food particles on it. Do not use harsh cleaners or whitening toothpaste. These products can damage the surface of the bridge.
• Only soak the dental bridge if the dentist agrees to it.

The importance of a dental bridge

Tooth loss results in a dental gap. This vacant space will trigger the neighboring teeth to shift and move into the space. The movement will loosen these teeth. This may result in more tooth loss.

This shifting will also result in crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth can make dental cleaning difficult. Ineffective cleaning can result in plaque and tartar accumulation. This will result in cavity formation.

Dental restorations, such as dental bridges, can fill the dental gap. It can prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting into the space and loosening. The bridge can also prevent future tooth loss. It can restore one’s bite, smile, speech, and chew.

The benefits of having a dental bridge

This type of dental restoration is a common way to replace missing teeth. It can provide a person with a natural-looking smile. The bridge can bring back one’s ability to bite and chew. At the same time, a dental bridge can restore one’s mouth and jaw structure. Many people want this type of restoration because it is non-invasive and easy to maintain.

Keeping your dental bridge in top condition can give you better dental health

Losing a tooth or a series of teeth can be devastating to your dental health and self-esteem. That is why a dental bridge and other restorations are important. The bridge will fill the gap and prevent complications. Working with your dentist can make your restoration last for a long time.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southerncalsmiles.com or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at (818) 657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.

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