A dental bridge is often a common tool that dentists use to fill gaps between teeth. A dental bridge is an effective way to help you restore your smile. Having a set of clean, straight teeth has many social benefits. It makes you appear friendlier, younger, and more successful. People often assume the opposite when you have missing or damaged teeth.
When you decide to replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge, your dentist has three primary types of bridges to use. Dentists anchor traditional bridges down on the teeth on each side of the gap, while cantilever bridges and Maryland bonded ones. Traditional bridges are the most secure because of the two anchor points the bridge is on. Your dentist will often put crowns on the teeth to connect the bridge for extra support.
Once you have your dental bridge in place, people will not be able to tell that you have a prosthetic. All that is left for you to do is to properly take care of your bridge and the rest of your natural teeth.
Here are 5 tips that will help you get the most out of your dental bridge:
1. Brush twice daily
Having your smile restored does not mean you get to keep doing the same things that likely led to you losing your teeth in the first place: neglecting your oral hygiene. At the very minimum, brush twice a day, paying special attention to the bridge and the two teeth that are supporting it. Use an antibacterial mouth rinse to kill off bacteria that lead to tooth decay and bad breath after brushing.
2. Floss regularly
Make it a habit to floss regularly if you do not already do it. It is crucial for your oral health even if you do not have a dental bridge. Having one makes flossing even more essential since there is a tendency for food particles and other debris to stick in the spaces between your prosthetic and your natural teeth.
3. Avoid eating hard foods
While dental bridges look a lot like your natural teeth, these devices are not anywhere as strong. Avoid chewing on hard candies like jawbreakers and things of that nature as they can cause serious damage to your bridge and natural teeth.
4. Stay away from sugary products
Sugar is the primary cause of tooth decay. That is because the bacteria in your mouth convert sugars into acids which damage your enamel. Your anchor teeth are put under lots of stress daily, dealing with all the forces applied on your bridge, so you want to keep them as healthy and strong as possible. Stay away from items like sodas, candies, and ice cream because your oral health depends on it.
5. Visit a dentist twice a year
Regular visits to the dentist are important, especially when you have a dental bridge. Your dentist will examine your prosthetic and the rest of your mouth before addressing any issues that come up. Your oral professional will also perform a professional cleaning.