5 TIPS ON HOW TO PROPERLY TAKE CARE OF YOUR DENTAL BRIDGE 

Losing a tooth comes with a few downsides that could cause major disruptions in your day to day life. A missing tooth can ruin your smile, and your facial aesthetics, not to mention the attendant challenges that come with chewing food. That is why many people go for a dental bridge to replace a lost tooth and restore their former look.

But the work doesn’t simply start and rest with getting a dental bridge. You have to constantly learn ways to maintain a fixed dental bridge. Failure to take care of your dental bridge can lead to a wide range of issues as we will discuss below.

A dental bridge helps restore a missing or broken tooth and returns your appearance to its natural state. But do you know that poor dental bridge management can be detrimental to all that hard work put in, to begin with? YES. When you fail to take good care of your dental bridge, you can run into any of the following complications:

1. Tooth Decay: When you pay less attention to a new fixed dental bridge , you may just be setting your teeth up for impending decay. Tooth decay is the No. 1 issue that results from poor dental hygiene. So you must pay close attention to your dental bridge to prevent tooth decay.

2. Food Getting Stuck: Another challenge you may experience after receiving a prosthetic tooth is having food particles getting stuck underneath. Poor dental bridge management can further lead to the build of debris which can lead to bacteria infestation and bad breath.

3. Bridge Can Fall Off: This is connected to the first point. When decay occurs for poor handling of your prosthetic tooth, it can cause weakness in the natural teeth that hold either side of the bridge. This could result in the bridge shaking and ultimately falling off.

So how do you prevent all of the above-mentioned complications that result from poor handling of your dental bridge? Here are a few routines to follow to care for your dental bridge.

1. Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day

Some people have the habit of neglecting to brush their teeth for fear of tampering with a new dental bridge. This is a great misnomer in the grand scheme of things. Regular brushing of the teeth is very indeed very vital especially after getting a new dental bridge. By regular we mean brushing the teeth at least twice a day to prevent the buildup of plaque and other tooth-related issues.

2. Avoid Eating Cold or Hard Food Substances

Dental bridges are designed from ceramic material which makes them even less inferior to natural teeth. They are strong and durable nonetheless but just like your natural teeth, they can wear off with time. To ensure the longevity of your dental bridge, it is always important to observe basic etiquette such as staying away from a certain food. Avoid eating very cold or hard food substances as this can cause a dental bridge to crack due to exerted pressure. Always go easy with a menu that features semi-hard or mild meals mostly to reduce the risk of dental bridge damage.

3. Use a Fluoride Rinse

A fluoride rinse is highly important after getting a dental bridge. This is because a fluoride rinse will help strengthen the gum line and also prevent the buildup of bacteria around the new prosthetic tooth. While regular brushing already helps with this, a fluoride rinse adds an extra layer of protection against bacteria, gum disease, and tooth decay

4. Clean Under Your Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are usually attached tightly to the teeth leaving little or no room for a regular floss to get through. Because of this tiny anomaly, it is advised to get special tools that will help you clean under your dental bridge. Examples of special tools include floss threaders and interdental toothbrushes.

5. Book Regular Checks with Your Dentist

Lastly, always book regular checks with a trained dentist. A dental specialist will help to ascertain the status of your teeth from time to time. He or she will carry out a preventive medical procedure to clean and care for your dental bridge and teeth in general. Keeping up with your regular dental cleanings and exams can also help you maximize the lifespan of your dental bridge.

To learn more about how a dental bridge could provide lasting support for your smile, as well as professional maintenance of existing dental bridgework. Glenside Dental is the place to go for excellence in dental care, you can count on us to help you keep it healthy and intact for a long time. Schedule your appointment or call Dentist Richmond at (804)756-6658. We are located at 5412 Glenside Drive, Suite C, Richmond, VA 23228. Our dedicated team will gladly assist you!