A dental bridge is a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s function and appearance. However, maintaining a bridge requires consistent and careful oral hygiene to ensure it stays strong and your surrounding teeth and gums remain healthy. Unlike natural teeth, a bridge doesn’t have roots that connect directly to the jawbone, so it relies on the adjacent teeth for support. Without proper care, plaque and bacteria can accumulate around the bridge, leading to decay, gum disease, and even the failure of the restoration. Understanding the best way to clean and protect your dental bridge can make a big difference in how long it lasts and how healthy your mouth stays.
Understanding Your Dental Bridge
A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by crowns or attachments on the surrounding natural teeth or implants. Because the bridge spans across a gap, food and debris can easily become trapped underneath it. This makes cleaning under and around the bridge just as important as brushing the visible surfaces. Neglecting these areas can lead to inflammation of the gums and decay of the supporting teeth, which may compromise the stability of the entire bridge.
The Importance of Brushing and Flossing
Brushing twice a day remains the foundation of good oral hygiene when you have a dental bridge. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth and the bridge. Pay particular attention to the gum line, where plaque tends to build up. Electric toothbrushes can be especially helpful because they provide more consistent pressure and motion, ensuring a thorough clean.
Flossing requires a bit more technique when you have a bridge, but it’s essential for removing food particles and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach. Since traditional floss cannot easily pass under the pontic, special tools like floss threaders or super floss are recommended. These allow you to slide floss beneath the bridge to clean the area between the gum and the artificial tooth. Doing this daily helps prevent gum inflammation and decay of the supporting teeth.
Using Interdental Brushes and Water Flossers
Interdental brushes and water flossers are excellent additions to your oral hygiene routine if you have a dental bridge. Interdental brushes, which are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to fit between teeth, can effectively remove debris and plaque around the crowns and under the bridge. Choose a size that fits comfortably without forcing it between the teeth, as pushing too hard can injure the gums.
A water flosser is another powerful tool that uses a stream of water to clean under and around the bridge. It’s particularly useful for reaching difficult areas and is gentle on the gums. Using a water flosser once a day can reduce the risk of inflammation and help maintain a clean and healthy bridge.
Caring for Your Gums and Surrounding Teeth
Healthy gums are essential for a stable dental bridge. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria that brushing and flossing might miss. A rinse with fluoride can also strengthen your remaining teeth and help prevent decay around the bridge’s margins. Additionally, massaging your gums gently with your toothbrush or a gum stimulator can improve blood circulation and keep the tissue firm and healthy.
Maintaining a balanced diet also contributes to the longevity of your bridge. Limit sugary and acidic foods, as they promote bacterial growth and enamel erosion. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, naturally help clean your teeth while stimulating saliva flow, which neutralizes acids and keeps your mouth fresh.
Regular Dental Checkups
Even with an excellent home care routine, professional checkups are crucial. Your dentist will examine your bridge, clean areas that are difficult to reach at home, and ensure that your supporting teeth and gums remain healthy. Routine visits allow your dentist to detect any early signs of wear, decay, or gum disease before they become serious problems. Most dentists recommend checkups every six months, though your specific schedule may vary depending on your oral health.
Dental Bridge Care in Edmonton, AB
At Reliance Dental, your oral health is our top priority. If you’re missing a tooth, your bite and smile could be at risk of further damage. With a dental bridge, you could restore your bite and quality of life. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options for tooth loss.