Last week we talked about how to care for a dental crown. This week, we’ll discuss how to maintain a bridge. Patients with dental bridges in Lombard, IL often ask us how to properly clean and maintain them. Because a bridge is forged from a solid piece of material, cleaning around them is a bit different than cleaning natural teeth. In this article, Dr. Julie Glud discusses the average lifespan of dental bridges and offers recommendations for keeping your restoration looking and feeling great for the long haul.
Lifespan of a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges at our Lombard, IL practice can be crafted from a number of materials. Traditionally, bridges were made from gold or metal alloys. While these restorations lasted longer, they did not blend in with the smile. Today’s advanced materials include medical-grade ceramic, which offers a more lifelike, natural look. Sometimes bridges are made with a metal substructure and a ceramic coating. These restorations offer both strength and aesthetics.
Depending on the type of dental bridge you have, the average lifespan is between five and 15 years. As materials and technologies improve, however, these restorations are lasting longer and longer. With proper maintenance, dental bridges can last upwards of 20 years.
General Oral Hygiene Recommendations
In the next section, we’ll discuss specific techniques for cleaning around a bridge. For now, here are some general guidelines that will help keep your smile healthy:
- Brush twice a day. When brushing, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive paste. We find that gels are much gentler compared to pastes, which often contain baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and other harsh ingredients that can damage restorations.
- Floss once daily. To remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria, it is essential to floss around your bridge every day. In the next section, we’ll explore this step in a little more detail.
- Avoid bad habits. You should never use your bridge (or your natural teeth) as tools. Avoid opening packages or tearing tags off of merchandise with your teeth. Furthermore, steer clear of extremely hard foods, such as ice, nuts, popcorn, and similar things.
- Visit your dentist regularly. The best way to keep a handle on your oral health is to see your dentist for routine exams and cleanings. During these appointments, Dr. Glud can assess your restoration to ensure it is still in good condition. If any issues are detected, they can be addressed before the situation worsens.
Tips for Flossing Underneath a Bridge
When you floss natural teeth, the floss simply fits between the teeth. Because a bridge is a continuous unit, floss will not fit between the artificial teeth. However, food particles, debris, and disease-causing bacteria can still become trapped underneath the bridge. These irritants must be removed to preserve optimal oral health. Here are a few tools our Lombard, IL team recommends for cleaning underneath your dental bridge:
- Floss threaders: This simple tool resembles the eye of a needle. Soft and flexible, this device allows you to “thread” the floss underneath your bridge so you can effectively clean underneath it.
- Interproximal brushes: Sometimes called “Christmas tree brushes”, these tools help you clean underneath bridges without the use of dental floss. Simply slide the brush underneath the bridge and clean all surfaces thoroughly. Our team can help you find the correct size for your needs.
- Dental picks: These tools are like plastic toothpicks with rubberized tips. They work in a similar fashion as interproximal brushes. Ask Dr. Glud if dental picks are right for you.
- Waterpiks: Many patients ask if they can use a waterpik to clean their bridge. Waterpiks are never a bad idea. They help remove large food particles and other debris that becomes trapped under the bridge. However, waterpiks should never be used in place of flossing.
Learn More about Dental Bridge Maintenance
If you have recently received a dental bridge at our Lombard, IL practice, it’s important to know how to properly care for it. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact us online anytime or call us at (630) 629-5700.