You may be surprised to find that with all of your worrying, caring for a dental bridge actually can be a very simple process. Your care for a dental bridge is very similar to the care you have for your natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist are just as important for smiles with restorations as ones without. A transition to caring for a dental bridge can be an easy one because not much is going to change. To ensure you are on the right path and are updated on the details, let’s review what you should be doing for a healthy smile.
Keep Brushing
You will need to continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep your remaining natural teeth healthy, to keep your dental bridge clean, and to promote gum health. Soft bristles are important to be gentle enough for your natural teeth and your bridge. Brushing your teeth ideally happens twice a day, and especially before bedtime to keep your mouth clear of your bacteria while you sleep.
Changes In Flossing Techniques
The recommendation of daily dental flossing use will remain the same. The slight difference, however, may come in the technique of how you floss and what you floss with. To floss beneath the artificial teeth, known as pontics, of your dental bridge, you may need floss threaders to more easily navigate. To do so, you will place the stiff end of the threaded flosser between the gum line and the dental bridge. Then carefully pull until the floss comes between your teeth and your dental bridge. Flossing around your bridge can be important to keeping bacteria from building up in the area. While a dental bridge is not susceptible to tooth decay, your natural teeth are and your gums are vulnerable to gum disease caused by built up bacteria.
Caring for your dental bridge is similar to caring for the rest of your smile
Do you have questions about your dental bridge? To schedule a consultation with Austin Prosthodontics in Austin, TX, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
