A dental bridges is a method of teeth replacement that involves the attachment of a dental crown (or multiple dental crowns that form a bridge) and abutment teeth. An implant-supported bridge may also be an option, which is a bridge supported by implants rather than natural teeth. Regardless, keeping the dental bridge clean is essential.
How to protect one's smile after dental bridge treatment
Patients can protect their smile after dental bridge treatment by practicing good oral hygiene. This should include brushing, flossing and using mouthwash regularly, along with going to regular check-up visits with the general dentist, making smart dietary choices (i.e., limit sugar consumption) and protecting teeth from dental trauma.
Brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste
Good oral hygiene starts with brushing regularly. Although the dental bridge is not vulnerable to tooth decay, the adjacent teeth are, which is why using a fluoride-based toothpaste is important. Brushing regularly also protects periodontal health (the gums and the underlying jawbone). This reduces the risk of issues that may put the dental bridge in jeopardy, such as bone loss in the jaw and periodontal disease.
Floss often and use mouthwash as directed
Floss and mouthwash are also vital to good oral health after dental bridge placement. Floss removes plaque and food particles that become trapped in between natural teeth and the dental crowns. This protects the natural teeth, as well as the patient’s periodontal health. Mouthwash kills bacteria and washes away the food particles that are lodged between teeth, which also reduces the risk of periodontal concerns and tooth decay.
Schedule regular check-up visits with your dentist
Regular check-up visits allow the dentist or hygienist to detect oral health concerns and issues with the dental bridge that may be hard for the dentist to detect on their own, such as deep gum pockets, worn-down enamel and signs of periodontal disease. Most dentists recommend a check-up visit and a routine dental cleaning every four to six months.
Make smart dietary choices to protect oral health
The food that we eat and the drinks that we consume also play a role in oral health. Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to keep bacteria and food particles washed away, whereas drinking soft drinks, coffee and alcohol regularly can damage teeth and the gums. It is also important to reduce the consumption of foods that are high in sugar.
Protect teeth from dental trauma and teeth grinding
A blow to the face during physical activity, being hit during contact sports or bruxism can damage a dental bridge. Be sure to receive treatment for bruxism, and wear a mouthguard if a blow to the face is possible.
Talk to a dental professional about dental bridge aftercare
You can talk to one of our dental professionals about dental bridge aftercare or schedule a consultation for teeth replacement treatment by contacting us. We are happy to help you improve your oral health and appearance through teeth replacement, and we help patients through every step of the dental bridge treatment process.
Request an appointment here: https://www.trsmiles.com or call T. R. Smiles Dental at (732) 505-7055 for an appointment in our Toms River office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Toms River, NJ.
Related Posts
A dental crown usually lasts for many years. But it can become loose or fall out before it is supposed to be replaced. If your dental crown becomes dislodged or falls out, it is crucial to know how to handle the situation. Read on to find out what to do if your crown falls out.A…
Many patients with dentures will need denture repair, possibly several times throughout their lifetime. A person could need dentures for several reasons. You could have a full set of dentures or a partial set, and either one may require repair. Dentures are necessary and a very economical option for missing one or multiple teeth. They…
If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware of the hassles of cleaning them. The braces’ brackets are bonded to the tooth’s surface, limiting the reach of the toothbrush and making it harder to clean the teeth thoroughly. Nevertheless, you still need to keep the braces as it…
A minor broken tooth may not require immediate treatment, but more severe breaks can become very problematic if left untreated. It is important to be able to assess the severity of a broken tooth to determine if an emergency trip to the dentist is necessary or if the initial symptoms can be managed at home. A…