If you have recently had dental bridges placed, congratulations! Dental bridges are a great way to restore your smile and improve oral health. But, like all dental appliances, they require special care to stay in tip-top shape.
Here are ten tips on taking good care of your dental bridges:
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush
When brushing your teeth with dental bridges, you need to be extra careful. A regular toothbrush can damage the delicate bridge work, so it is vital to choose a toothbrush that is designed for use with dental bridges. Many different types of toothbrushes are on the market, so be sure to ask your dentist for recommendations.
2. Be Gentle When Brushing
Even if you use the right toothbrush, you need to be careful not to brush too hard. This can damage the bridge work and irritate your gums. Use gentle, circular motions when brushing your teeth with dental bridges.
3. Use the Proper Flossing Technique
It is essential to floss your teeth every day, even if you have dental bridges. The best way to floss with dental bridges is to use an interdental brush or a floss threader. This will help you get in between the teeth and under the bridge work.
4. Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help remove bacteria and food particles from your teeth and gums. Be sure to consider a mouthwash that is designed for use with dental bridges. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help to kill germs and bacteria in your mouth, which can help to keep your dental bridge clean.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking can discolor your dental bridges and put you at risk for gum disease and other oral health problems. It can also cause damage to your dental bridge. If you smoke, it is quite to quit to help keep your bridge and mouth healthy.
6. Protect Your Teeth
If you play sports or participate in other activities with a risk of injury to the mouth, be sure to wear a mouthguard. This will help to protect your teeth, including your dental bridges.
Take care of your overall health. Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Be sure to pick a healthy diet and get enough exercise. This will help to keep your entire body healthy, including your mouth.
7. Avoid Hard Food
Hard food can damage your dental bridges, so it is best to avoid them. Whenever you have to eat hard foods, chew slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your bridges.
8. Avoid Sticky Food
Sticky food can also damage your dental bridges, so it is best to avoid them. If you eat sticky foods, brush and floss immediately afterward to get rid of any food particles that may be stuck to your bridges.
9. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a regular check-up and cleaning. This will help ensure that your dental bridges are in good condition and that any problems are caught early.
10. Have Your Bridges Checked Regularly
Your dentist will also check them at each visit to ensure they are still fitting correctly. If your bridges become loose, they can cause damage to your teeth and gums, so it is essential to have them checked and adjusted as needed.
Conclusion
It is essential to take good care of your dental bridges to ensure they last. This means brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for routine checkups. Additionally, avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your bridges. With proper care, your dental bridges can last for many years.
Manassas Smiles offers a wide variety of dental care services that can meet the needs of any patient. Whether you require cosmetic dentistry, dental bridges, or gum disease treatment, Manassas Smiles has you covered. Contact us today to schedule a dentist consultation.