Posted on 3/30/2020 by Amir Sanjabi, DDS
Your dental bridge is brand new and it’s important you learn how to care for it properly, so it lasts many years. While it is made out of some very durable materials that can’t be infected by bacteria or even tooth decay, the device does still require a daily hygiene routine to keep it in tip top shape so to speak so it does not break down on you.
The inside of your mouth experiences tartar, plaque and residual food particles that become so hardened that these lead to periodontal disease. If you do not take proper care of your bridge and your gums (the bridge actually anchors to your gums) this periodontal disease gets ‘into’ the gum tissue and can cause advanced periodontal disease and that will cause actual gum recession at the base of your teeth. These infected pockets go deep inside the gums at the abutment. The roots allow access to where the abatement cements to your bridge. When this happens, it will weaken your bridge and you will lose your dental bridge as there will be nothing for it too anchor too, so, still taking care of your bridge and your gums are vital.
Cleaning Your Bridge
You simply clean your dental bridge by brushing and flossing twice a day and being sure to clear away food particles and plaque so nothing hardens into tartar. If you find that cleaning is too difficult, then ask to come into the office and speak to one of the hygienists about an interdental brush and what their recommendation for a good one would be as well as perhaps flossing with a water flosser.
If you’re having concerns or problems keeping your dental bridge clean and would like some help or suggestions, please call the office and we will be happy to help you and schedule you in for an appointment with the hygienist you they could go over a few things with you.