Dental bridges are made up of two or more crowns affixed to neighbouring teeth, often referred to as abutments, and an artificial tooth (pontic) that will replace the missing one is fastened to the crowns on each end.
However, despite being close to the gum’s surface where the original tooth previously was, these pontics still have tiny gaps that provide the perfect environment for plaque and germs to build up and fester. Since periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay can eventually lead to the loss of the abutment teeth and dental bridge, it is essential to maintain and retain healthy dental bridge cleaning habits.
Explaining the Dental Bridge Process
The standard dental bridge treatment is to crown the teeth on either side of the gap. Another crown that serves as an artificial tooth connects these crowns. A dental bridge will require more than one appointment. A dentist or hygienist will evaluate your mouth and further treat any gum disease or tooth decay.
An x-ray may be necessary for you. The teeth that will support your dental bridge will be measured and examined to ensure they are robust enough. Two healthy teeth are typically filed down on either side of the gap to prepare for the dental bridge. To create the bridge, they will use a mould. While your permanent bridge-making is in progress, you might have to live with a temporary bridge.
You must have a second appointment pre-scheduled to get your permanent bridge installed once it is prepared. The bridge is affixed to the prepared teeth using dental cement. Your front teeth can be replaced with bridges made of resin and metal. A little metal frame is joined to an artificial tooth. The frame is affixed to the back of your teeth on either side of the gap.
Why is It Necessary to Clean a Dental Bridge Daily?
There are still microscopic gaps even if the pontic (synthetic tooth) is situated close to the gum line over the missing tooth ridge. There, bacteria and plaque can continue to build up. Halitosis (poor odour) or decay related to the underlying teeth (abutments) may develop from this.
If adequate dental care is not practiced on a dental bridge, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease, ultimately impacting the treated tooth. The bridge and the abutment teeth may be lost as a result of this.
How to Properly Clean Under a Dental Bridge
Cleaning beneath dental bridges is essential because food frequently makes its home here. What else can you do to clean below except what we have said, which is regular brushing and flossing? Here are a few additional helpful hints for cleaning behind a dental bridge:
A. Use dental picks instead of toothpicks. Dental picks are specially developed oral hygiene tools that are similar to toothpicks but with rubber tips that are gentler on the teeth and gums.
B. Water picks are helpful for reaching those confined spaces behind your dental bridges. Tiny instruments called water picks are used to remove stuck food fragments and other bits of residue from the mouth and between the teeth.
C. Interproximal brushes are unique devices made to clean the gaps between the teeth more thoroughly than usual. They are ideal for cleaning beneath dental bridges due to their size and shape.
Maintaining a clean bridge is one thing, but stain prevention is quite another. Naturally, stains will develop over time, especially if you eat and drink stain-causing beverages and food items, such as berries, wine, and coffee.
Preventing stains from developing on your dental bridge is the best course of action. Making sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after consuming these stain-causing substances will help you achieve this. Gentle twice-daily brushing and washing will also aid in stain prevention. Traditional teeth-whitening methods designed for natural teeth won’t work to remove stains from a dental bridge, though.
Ultimately, it’s best to visit a dentist in NE Calgary. Your fixed prosthetic and the rest of your natural smile can be cleaned using specialized instruments by professionals so you can leave the appointment with a beautiful smile.
What to Avoid Eating If You Have a Dental Bridge
Patients should be specifically instructed to refrain from consuming extremely chewy or complex items, such as gum, crusty bread, and hard confectionery. It is due to the possibility that certain foods could occasionally displace the bridge. If the bridge does come off, the patient should get expert assistance from a nearby dentist and hygienist to replace it rather than attempt to put it back in place on their own.
Do You Need More Information?
Keeping your dental bridge clean is crucial to steer clear of infection. A dental bridge cannot be taken out to be cleaned because it is permanent. For your dental bridge, pick a simple-to-use tool like a floss threader, super floss, interdental brush, or water pick.
See our team at Totally Dental for regular checkups if you want to extend the lifespan of your dental bridge and reduce the chances of infection. Please stop by our clinic, book an appointment, or give us a call today.