Maintaining Your Dental Bridge: Tips for Long-lasting Results

A dental bridge is an investment not only in oral health but also a step into a better smile. It is designed to replace a missing tooth by restoring the proper ability to chew and speak. Also, helps to maintain the shape of the face. Still, like any other dental appliance, a dental bridge does need regular care and maintenance. Then only it's going to last for the longest possible amount of time. In this blog, we will share some essential tips about dental bridge maintenance. That concerns daily habits, common problems, and how one can keep them away. 

Why Dental Bridge Maintenance is Important

Proper dental bridge maintenance is very important for one's general oral health. It also affects the longevity of the bridge itself. If a dental bridge is well taken care of, it can last for a period ranging from 5 to 15 years or even more. Also, depending on the materials used and how it is taken care of. Poor dental bridge care can lead to the root of all sorts of problems, including gum diseases, tooth decay in abutment teeth, and at worst, a bridge failure.

Oral Care Daily Habits

A good oral hygiene routine daily lies at the core of dental bridge maintenance. One must clean a dental bridge just like natural teeth by brushing and flossing to prevent plaque and bacteria accumulation.

Cleaning Your Teeth and Bridge

It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Fluoride toothpaste will help prevent decay of your teeth. While brushing, be careful in the area of the bridge as this is where food and plaque can easily trap. Make sure that you should use light circular motions gently to thoroughly clean both the bridge and the abutment teeth.

Flossing and Interdental Cleaning

Flossing is also important when it comes to dental bridge maintenance. The standard floss may not be as effective in cleaning around the bridge. So take a floss threader or special dental floss designed for bridges and help yourself thread the floss under the bridge. These kinds of floss will help you thread under the bridge and clean the area between the bridge and the gum line, where the bacteria mostly congregate. Also, you might want to supplement that with either an interdental brush or water flosser for places that are pretty hard to clean using regular floss.

Regular dental checkups

Following up on dental bridge care regularly is important. These are necessary at least every six months or as instructed by your dentist. The dentist will have a look at the dental bridge during such visits to ensure it is in good condition and functions right. This professional will also clean the bridge and the natural teeth that surround it, removing any plaque or tartar that you might have missed during your daily care.

Common Dental Bridge Problems 

Even with the best care, dental bridges can sometimes have problems. Any dental bridge problem should be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Some of the dental bridge problems that one can experience include these-

• Loosening:  A dental bridge will become loose due to wear and tear or damage to the abutment teeth. This may be in cases when you happen to think that your bridge might be loose. You need to get it checked by the dentist and probably re-cemented in such cases.
• Gum Irritation or Recession: A painful irritation of the gum around the bridge is painful and can also make you more vulnerable to gum disease. You may want to see your dentist if your gums are red, swollen, or even receding.
• Difficulty with chewing or speaking: If, after a dental bridge, you struggle with the ability to chew or speak, this could indicate improper fit of the bridge. Some adjustments can be made to the bridge by your dentist that will make it easier to chew and speak more comfortably.

Diet and Dental Bridges Maintenance

Your diet plays a very significant role in maintaining your dental bridge. While there is not a special diet to follow. You should be aware of the type of food you eat and how it may affect your bridge.

Foods to Avoid

Such sticky, hard, and chewy foods place added stress on your dental bridge and, hence, damage it. For instance, hard candies, ice, and tough meats, to mention a few, must be avoided during chewing. The sticky foods such as caramel or taffy may just pull on the bridge and result in this being loose or dislodged. It is also worth limiting sugary foods and drinks since these increase the risk of decay in the abutment teeth.

Foods to Include

Pay attention to a diet balanced with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. All these foods are good for one's general health, along with teeth and gums. Calcium can be derived from dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, which would help in maintaining healthy bones and teeth and thereby support the long life of the dental bridge.

Conclusion: Take Care of Your Dental Bridge

Caring for your dental bridge can be relatively simple. By keeping a regular oral hygiene schedule, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups. Moreover, finding and correcting any problems early, and paying attention to diet, your bridge can last well into the future. Dental bridge maintenance is an investment for your oral health. If you follow the tips discussed above dental bridges serve you well.