How to Keep your Dental Bridge Healthy and Strong

Missing teeth can cause serious issues with your bite and smile. When you lose a tooth, it’s crucial that you get restoration treatment as soon as possible. A dental bridge in Annapolis, MD, could help improve your smile and strengthen your bite. While a dental bridge is designed to last patients years before needing a replacement, you still need to care for them properly. If you don’t maintain your bridge, it could suffer damage and discoloration that may reduce its effectiveness.

Tips for Keeping Your Dental Bridge Healthy and Strong

When you get any kind of restoration work done, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions. Following these instructions is key to reducing the chances of your new restoration breaking or falling out. Dental bridges need extra care and attention to ensure they last long and continue to provide support for your bite.

Brushing and Flossing

While the bridge itself is resistant to decay, plaque and tartar can still build up on the teeth around your bridge. It’s crucial that you maintain proper brushing habits and pay particular attention to the teeth neighboring your bridge. This is especially important if you have a traditional bridge that is supported by crowns on the neighboring teeth. If these teeth suffer damage or decay, it could affect your bridge.

Flossing is also important for maintaining a dental bridge. Your gums can still be affected by plaque and tartar. Without proper flossing, you’re at a higher risk of developing gum disease that could weaken your bridge. You can use special flossing tools to floss under your bridge and keep your gums healthy.

Chewing Habits

Dental bridges are designed to be strong and durable, but they aren’t impervious to damage. Chewing on anything hard or frozen could cause your bridge to suffer a fracture. Avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens or pencils. And if you are eating hard foods, cut them up into smaller, bite-sized pieces to help reduce the pressure on your bridge.

Routine Dental Visits

Seeing your dentist regularly is key to maintaining good oral health no matter what. But visiting with your dentist at least every six months is particularly important if you have a bridge. Your dentist can examine your restoration to catch any early signs of trouble. A proper cleaning can also help keep your natural teeth and gums healthy to support your bridge. If you do notice any discomfort, pain, or looseness with your bridge, contact your dentist right away for a check-up.

Is a Dental Bridge in Annapolis, MD, Right for You?

If you’re missing teeth, you have a lot of treatment options available. At Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely & Associates, we create customized treatment plans for every patient. Call us today at (410) 989-8298 to learn more about our restoration options and to schedule an initial consultation. After examining your mouth, we can recommend a treatment plan that could help restore your bite.