A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

Ways To Care For Your Dental Bridge

12 October 2016

Oscar Allen

A dental bridge offers you a way to take care of any missing teeth you have. When you get a bridge, a fake tooth made of ceramic or porcelain, called a pontic, is put in place of the missing tooth. To hold the pontic in place, crowns are placed on top of adjacent teeth and the pontic is bonded to them. If you have never had anything like this done on your teeth, you might be concerned about how best to care for your bridge. Luckily, there are some easy things to keep in mind so that your bridge and your smile are just fine. Keep reading for some bridge maintenance tips.

Brush with Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

In the days and weeks following your bridge procedure, you might notice that you feel twinges of discomfort in the crowned teeth when you drink very hot liquids or eat cold foods. This is not unusual; tooth sensitivity happens to many people after crowns are put on. To soothe your teeth, brush with toothpastes that are targeted to those with sensitive teeth. A call to the dentist may also get you some mouthwashes that can help as well.

Think Twice About Hard Foods

While there is no hard rule that you should avoid ice and foods that are tough to bite into, you might consider it in order to ensure that your bridgework stays in place. You might dislodge a crown if you chomp down on a jawbreaker candy, for instance. If you do eat hard or tough foods, make an effort to eat small pieces and chew on the side of the mouth that is bridge-free.

Remember to Clean Underneath the Bridge

Even though your bridge should be fitted well, there is still the chance that bits of food will become lodged underneath the bridge or in between the pontic and the crowns. That's why you need to make a regular practice of flossing if you haven't already; getting rid of any particles can help you to maintain good dental health and avoid cavities caused by bacteria. You might also want to pick up a water jet system that delivers a thin, steady stream of water to flush out any food that gets stuck in or around your bridge.

Having a bridge can be a great way to bring back an intact smile. Use the details in this article to care for your dental bridge so that you can prevent problems; ask your dentist if there is anything else you should know in order to maintain your bridge properly. For more information, contact a dental clinic like Gordon Dental.

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