Are you taking care of your dental bridges?
Dental bridges bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They’re made up of two or more crown for the teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are used to restore your smile, restore your ability to properly chew and speak, maintain the shape of your face, and to prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
A Buildup Of food Particles
Dental bridges are meant to fit seamlessly against your gumline, but many different factors can lead to your bridges fitting poorly. If even the tiniest space is created, food can become trapped and other particles can accumulate if you’re not able to clean your mouth effectively. The buildup of food particles can lead to bad breath and even gum disease.
Tartar
You can’t conveniently remove bridges to clean them, so the area requires more attention. If not clean properly, bacteria develops and then combines with saliva, which creates plaque. Plaque and tartar are much more difficult to clean and require the help of a dentist.
Affected By Certain Foods
Patients fitted with bridges are advised by dentists to avoid chewing on foods such as raw vegetables and hard candies. Constant chewing of these foods can lead to damage of the bridge, which may require replacement.
What Can You Do?
There are a few things you can do to limit the risk of these problems happening to you. The first is to ensure that your bridge fits perfectly before you leave the dentist’s office. The second is to avoid foods that may be causing the problem, particularly hard or sticky foods. Use a toothbrush designed to reach those more difficult areas that need cleaning, and rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Catonsville Dental Care Can Help!
Whether you need a wisdom tooth extracted or a professional cleaning, Catonsville Dental Care has the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat your problem as quickly and painlessly as possible. We offer a suite of services including dental implants, cleanings, Invisalign, and routine preventative dental treatments.
We look forward to helping keep you smiling all year long. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at (410) 747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.