At Circle Drive Dental, we provide our patients with dental bridges that do an exceptional job of replacing missing teeth and “bridging” the gap where one or more teeth once were. Following the tips below will help protect your bridges and your teeth, ensuring fantastic oral health.

Our local dentists highly recommend that our patients consistently clean their dental bridge and the area around it, especially after meals and before bed. Brushing is a must, and the process is even more effective when waterpiks and floss are used. These solutions are great for removing even the smallest food particles that may have become wedged in and around the bridge. If you don’t clean your bridge regularly, the same bacteria that causes cavities and other oral problems will accrue in the area and negatively impact the bridge.

Returning for a moment to waterpiks and other “oral irrigation” devices, there are several options available in stores and most are reasonably priced. Since you took the step to invest in a dental bridge, it definitely makes sense to invest in the best technology in order to keep your bridge clean. Bear in mind too that you not only need to clean underneath the bridge, but also in-between the teeth supporting the bridge.

Another option is what’s called an interdental brush, which has bristles that resemble a small pine tree. This brush is specifically designed for those hard-to-reach places, i.e. under the dental bridge and in the tight spots between teeth.

Even if you clean your teeth consistently at least once a day, there’s still a slight chance that cavity-causing bacteria will find its way under your dental bridge or onto nearby teeth. If you experience tooth sensitivity, including pain when biting, contact your dentist right away. If not addressed promptly, cavities and the general presence of bacteria can cause complications involving the bridge and oral healing.

Once your dental bridge is placed, you should avoid hard or sticky foods until the bridge is secure and the surrounding area has had time to heal. Chewy candy, nuts, popcorn, and potato chips can cause structural damage to the bridge, and so it’s wise to replace these items with softer foods, liquids, and fresh fruit/vegetables until your dentist gives you the all-clear.

Properly caring for your dental bridge will positively impact your budget. If a dental bridge last for 10 years, following the above suggestions will likely ensure that the bridge lasts 10 years at a minimum, and possibly up to 15. On the flipside, neglecting to care for a bridge can significantly reduce its longevity, possibly down to five years or less. And if we say that a three-unit dental bridge costs $2,000, and a patient gets his first bridge while in his 30s, the cost implications are clear.

Also, bear in mind that a healthy dental bridge means less visits to the dentist’s office for consultations and replacements, thus saving even more money and lots of time too.

Circle Drive Dental is a general dentist with a wide range of oral proficiencies. Our patients’ health is our top concern, and we deliver quality solutions paired with expert advice that’s founded on decades of experience. Contact us today and let’s discuss your dental needs.