A fixed dental bridge is a great way to enhance your smile’s appearance, but it does more than that. It makes you feel like smiling again, and it enables you to go out with friends and enjoy a delicious meal without feeling self-conscious.
But because your bridge is anchored by dental crowns on your natural teeth, there’s a space above it where your tooth’s roots used to be, making dental hygiene an essential part of helping it last as long as possible and keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
How to Take Care of a Dental Bridge in Goffstown, NH
Even though your dental bridge looks and feels like your natural teeth, there are some things you should do to care for it:
- Use a floss threader — To clean plaque and food particles from the space between your bridge and your gums, guide a floss threader or special floss made for bridges under your bridge each day.
- Use an interdental brush — In the spaces where your bridge meets your gums, an interdental brush is an effective way to remove bacteria and plaque.
- Use a water flosser — A water flosser can wash away food debris from under your bridge and works well on your other teeth as well.
- Brush the margins — The two teeth on either side of your bridge are holding it in place, and they’re each covered by a dental crown. To protect your natural tooth underneath, you must carefully brush where the crown meets your gumline.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods — It’s best to steer clear of caramel, taffy, popcorn, or other foods that can damage or loosen your bridge.
When to See Your Dentist
We recommend a routine cleaning and exam every six months; that way, we can ensure your bridge is functioning properly.
However, you should call us right away if you experience any of the following:
- A loose bridge
- Pain or sensitivity
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Chipped or cracked porcelain
Looking for Quality Dental Care?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! At Glen Lake Dental, we’re committed to helping every patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. And with a custom dental bridge, you can do just that.
Please reach out to us if you’d like to schedule a consultation or appointment.