A dental bridge is a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. While bridges are incredibly durable, they do require regular care and maintenance in order to keep them looking their best and working properly.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of proper aftercare and maintenance for a dental bridge, including maintaining oral hygiene around restorations, scheduling regular checkups and cleanings, tips to help maintain your bridge, as well as signs of complications or damage that you should look out for.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene Around Restorations
When it comes to taking care of dental bridges, the maintenance of your oral hygiene is essential. Teeth with restorations such as a bridge can be more susceptible to cavities and other complications due to the difficulty in accessing the necessary areas for proper cleaning. As such, it is important to practice good oral hygiene when you have a bridge in order to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and free from decay.
It is best to use an interdental brush or floss threader around the area where the restoration fits into your gums; this will help remove plaque and food particles that may otherwise cause cavities or infections. Additionally, brushing twice daily (morning and night) using a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential in order to remove plaque and film from the bridge as well as your natural teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste will help protect your restoration and prevent decay.
You should also visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, cleanings, and proper maintenance of the bridge. Your dentist can provide additional instructions on how to properly care for your dental bridge in order to keep it looking its best and ensure that it functions properly.
Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Regular checkups and cleanings are an essential part of aftercare and maintenance for a dental bridge. Regular visits to the dentist will allow your dentist to evaluate and monitor the condition of your bridge, as well as provide preventative care in order to avoid future problems. During each visit, here is what you can expect from your dental health provider:
Examination
Your dentist will carefully examine your bridge, looking for signs of wear or deterioration. Any areas that may require attention will be noted so that treatment can be provided if necessary.
Cleaning
During your appointment, any food particles or plaque accumulation on or around the bridge will be removed using special tools and techniques. This helps ensure that bacteria cannot build up and cause infection.
Polishing
Your bridge will be polished to help reduce any staining or discoloration that has developed over time. This is an important step in keeping your bridge looking its best.
X-Rays
Your dentist may also take X-rays of the area around your bridge as well as the adjacent teeth. This helps them determine if there have been any changes in the alignment of the bridge or surrounding structures since your last visit.
Regular checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining a healthy dental bridge. By visiting your dentist regularly, you can help ensure that your bridge stays in top condition for many years to come. Your dentist can provide personalized advice about how often you should visit and what types of care may be necessary to keep your bridge looking and feeling its best.
Tips to Help Maintain Your Dental Bridge
Maintaining your dental bridge is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy and strong. It helps to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other complications. Here are some tips to help you maintain your dental bridge:
Brush Regularly
It’s important to brush twice a day – in the morning and at night – using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay special attention to your dental bridge when brushing; be sure to remove any food particles from beneath the pontic (the fake tooth) as well as around the abutment teeth that hold it securely in place.
You should also feel free to floss around each side of the pontic, but use caution so you don’t dislodge or damage it.
See Your Dentist
Regular visits to your dentist are essential for the upkeep of your dental bridge. During these visits, your dentist will check its fit and alignment, as well as examine it for any damage. or discoloration. They can also make sure that no decay has occurred in either the abutment teeth or the pontic itself.
Be Careful With What You Eat
Eating sugary foods or hard-to-chew items such as popcorn kernels or unpopped corn can easily damage your dental bridge if you aren’t careful. Similarly, acidic foods like lemons and oranges should be left out of your diet when a dental bridge is present. Instead, opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables that won’t put too much pressure on the bridge.
Avoid Staining Foods
Coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining beverages may cause discoloration of your dental bridge over time. Similarly, dark-colored fruits such as blueberries or blackberries should also be avoided.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you are involved in contact sports or any activity that could lead to an injury to your face or mouth, it is important to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard. This will help protect the bridge from being damaged due to physical impact.
By following these simple tips for maintaining your dental bridge, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about keeping your bridge in good shape. With proper care and regular visits, your dental bridge will stay secure and functioning for a lifetime.
Looking Out for Complications or Damage
When it comes to taking care of your dental bridge, regular checkups and aftercare are essential. Regular cleaning and monitoring should be done every 6 months, or as recommended by your dentist. During these visits, the dentist will clean away any plaque that may have built up around the bridge, check for any wear or damage, and assess whether any adjustments need to be made.
If you notice anything unusual with your dental bridge in between visits—such as clicking or a loose fit—contact your dentists immediately. This could be a sign of developing complications that require attention. Additionally, if you experience pain or sensitivity near the bridge area, this could also indicate an issue that needs to be addressed right away.
It’s important to take care of your dental bridge in order to maintain it and ensure it lasts as long as possible. Good oral hygiene is essential, so continue brushing twice a day for two minutes each session with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Book an Appointment Today
A dental bridge can be an excellent solution that restores the look and function of lost or missing teeth. To find out if it’s right for you, contact Glen Park Dental today to book a consultation with one of our experienced dentists.
Here at Glen Park Dental, we are proud to offer top-quality dental bridges crafted from the best materials and installed with the utmost precision. Our team will work closely with you every step of the way to provide tailored advice on how to care for your bridge and ensure it stands the test of time.
Contact Glen Park Dental today at (604) 474-0403 or email us at info@glenparkdental.ca to find out more about our dental bridges and how we can help you get the smile you deserve.