How Do I Take Care of My Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are a type of restoration that replaces one (or more) missing teeth. If you’ve just received a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, you know just how wonderful bridges can be — after all, they can replace your tooth without the need for a partial denture. But how do you take care of it?

Bridges include a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) anchored to the adjacent teeth, but cleaning around and under the bridge can be tricky.

Here’s the good news: Taking care of your bridge can be easier with a few tips and tools. Our experienced dentists at the Smile Design Studio of Bethesda are here to share five tips to help you take care of your new dental bridge.

Brush and floss daily

Just like your natural teeth, your bridge benefits from brushing and flossing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean the bridge and pay special attention to your gum line, where plaque can build up. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to better reach your gums. 

Brush twice a day for at least two full minutes. Use a gentle but firm motion and avoid excessively scrubbing your teeth.

You should also floss daily. You can use regular floss between your natural teeth, but you may find that special floss threaders or interdental brushes are better suited for cleaning underneath your bridge. 

Tip: Keep a few extra interdental brushes in your purse or briefcase so you always have a flosser on hand when you’re dining out.

Use mouthwash

Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can reduce bacteria and prevent gum disease around your bridge. This is especially important because the areas around your bridge are prone to plaque buildup.

Not sure which type of mouthwash is right for you? There are many types to choose from, including options that are formulated to fight gingivitis. Just be sure to choose a mouthwash with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. 

In some cases, such as if you already have a form of gum disease, you might benefit from a prescription mouthwash. 

In either case, our team can recommend the right type of mouthwash for your needs.

Avoid hard or sticky foods

To prevent damage to your bridge, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels, and be cautious with sticky foods like caramel, which can pull on the bridge and loosen it.

You don’t have to miss out on these flavors though. Instead of popcorn, try kernel-free puffed corn. For caramel flavors, swap out sticky caramel candies for caramel syrup — in moderation of course.

Never use your teeth as tools 

While your bridge is durable, it’s not indestructible. The same goes for your natural teeth. To protect your bridge and your natural teeth, never use your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or chew on nonfood items (e.g., pens). 

Schedule regular dental cleanings

Seeing us regularly at Smile Design Studio ensures that your bridge remains in good condition and that the surrounding teeth and gums stay healthy.

During your dental checkup, we can also check for any signs of wear and make necessary adjustments.

Do you have questions about your bridge? Don’t hesitate to let us know. You can call our Bethesda, Maryland, location to speak with our friendly team. You can also use our online portal to schedule an appointment.