How Do You Clean A Dental Bridge?

How Do You Clean A Dental Bridge?

May 01, 2023

Many adults in the US have at least one missing tooth. Unfortunately, losing teeth leaves you feeling unattractive and self-conscious and affects how to chew food or pronounce certain words. Luckily, these issues can be prevented by getting a dental bridge. Keep reading to learn more about dental bridges and how to clean and care for them.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. The bridge bridges (closes) the gaps in your mouth, giving you a full set of teeth for better bite function, speech, and smile. A bridge is customized to blend with the rest of your natural teeth to provide the most natural and comfortable results.

A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by frameworks or dental crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth on either or both sides of the gaps. A bridge can also be anchored by dental implants. Our dentist will examine your condition and advice on the best type of bridge for your smile needs. Visit our dentist for a tooth bridge in Westwood, MA.

Why Should You Clean Your Bridge?

Since most bridges are made from artificial materials like porcelain and zirconia, there are impervious to cavities or decay. However, the underneath natural anchor teeth are still susceptible to decay and damage.
Furthermore, poor oral hygiene around a bridge can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, increasing your risk of gum infections and periodontitis. It can also lead to persistent bad breath, tooth decay in the surrounding teeth, bone loss, and even further tooth loss.

If oral issues develop around your bridge, the dentist might have to remove the bridge to address the issue and prevent future complications. You’ll then need to invest in a new bridge to replace your missing teeth. That said, cleaning your bridge maintains your bridge in excellent condition and keeps your mouth fresh, bright, and healthy, and prevents unnecessary complications.

How to Clean A Dental Bridge?

While your bridge is made from artificial materials, it can still break, chip, or wear down. Therefore, we recommend handling your bridge carefully and using quality products to clean for your bridge. Ensure you use a soft brush and nonabrasive toothpaste to prevent damage to the bridge, natural teeth, and gums. Your dentist can help you select the right tools and products for cleaning your bridge.

  • Brushing

Like your natural teeth, a dental bridge should be cleaned twice daily. When brushing, make small and gentle strokes and clean all the surfaces of the bridge, including the chewing surfaces, sides, and edges of the bridge. An electric toothbrush is more efficient at removing plaque than a manual one.

  • Flossing under the Bridge

It’s worth noting that food debris and bacteria can accumulate under the bridge, leading to decay and gum disease. Therefore, cleaning underneath the bridge is as important as cleaning around it.

Flossing under the bridge helps remove trapped food particles, bacteria, and other debris, lowering the risk of developing dental caries or gum infection around the bridge. To do this, you can use traditional floss and a threader.

  • Loop the floss through the threader
  • Slide the pointed end under the bridge and out to the other side of the bridge
  • Hold the floss and gently swipe back and forth under the bridge
  • Wrap the floss around each anchor tooth or implant to clean under the gums

Alternatively, you can invest in a super floss. The floss has a firm end that threads through open areas, making it excellent for cleaning under bridges and between teeth.

A water flosser is also a great option. The flosser sprays a steady stream of water under the bridge, flushing out food particles, plaque, and other debris from hard-to-reach areas. Based on the model you get, you can use varying pressure levels and tip designs.

  • Professional Cleanings

Even with thorough brushing and flossing, there’s still a higher risk of plaque and tartar buildup under the bridge. Routine dental checkups and cleanings allow the dentist to clean around the bridge thoroughly, significantly lowering your risk of developing infections in the nearby teeth and gums.

Besides cleaning your teeth, the dentist will inspect your bridge and the rest of your mouth to ensure they’re in great condition. If any problems are identified, the dentist will address them right away before they worsen to cause serious and long-term damage.

Learn More about Dental Bridges in Westwood, MA

Do you hope to replace your missing teeth with dental bridges? Or perhaps you need more information about caring for and cleaning your bridge? Contact Westwood Dental Group to book your appointment today.

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