Dental bridges are phenomenal. They replace missing teeth and help you eat, chew, and speak like you never lost a tooth. Typically made of porcelain, denture bridges serve to:
- Fill a large gap in people who have lost a number of teeth
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Protect a dental implant
- Cover a weak tooth
- Cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure
- Improve the appearance of a coloured or misshapen tooth
However, you won’t be able to enjoy these benefits if your bridges get damaged after they are fitted. It’s necessary that you take care of your dental bridges by stepping up your dental care habits. Doing so will protect your bridges from chipping, breaking, and premature wear so you can enjoy their benefits longer.
What to Expect From Newly-Fitted Bridges
The insertion process for dental bridges takes at least 2 trips to the dentist. On your first appointment, your dentist will create a mould of the target area. The succeeding visits involve fitting the permanent bridge. Traditional bridges (also called cantilever bridges) are cemented to the natural teeth, while Maryland bridges are prosthetic teeth held in with porcelain or metal frames.
A couple of days after the installation of a bridge, you may experience tooth sensitivity. This is a normal reaction. This can take place when you are eating hot or cold foods. To alleviate sensitivity, brush your teeth using a toothpaste intended for sensitive teeth.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth desensitizes the exposed nerve endings in the dentinal tubules. They also contain fluoride that helps protect your enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. In most cases, the sensitivity resolves itself within several days.
It typically takes some time to get used to the feel of their bridges. However, if discomfort persists, have it examined by your dentist right away. When left unaddressed, poorly-fitted bridges can affect your bite and your surrounding teeth.
Common Dental Problems Bridge Wearers May Experience
Over the course of wearing bridges, watch out for these common dental issues you may likely experience:
- Food debris buildup – Your bridges should fit snugly against your gum line. However, a loosely fitted bridge can create an opening between the bridge and the gum. As a result, tiny bits of food can get trapped in it. Gradually, bacteria will begin to thrive in your mouth, causing bad breath and gum disease.
- Decay – It may require more time, and effort intentionality on your part, but it is extremely important to keep your teeth and gums clean and bacteria-free when wearing bridges. Tiny food particles are likely to get lodged under your bridge. This can cause decay in the supporting tooth of your bridge. Make sure to brush and floss after every meal to remove every bit of food debris.
- Irritated gums – Other than affecting your bite, a bridge that does not fit properly can irritate your gums. That is why it’s important to have your bridges fitted by a qualified dentist. Ensure that these dental accessories are custom-designed to fit your mouth.
- Age – If your bridges are too old, you need to replace them with newer and sturdier ones. Bridges need strong supporting teeth (or abutment teeth) for their structure; it may not be advisable for older people with weak teeth to get dental bridges.
On average, bridges can last up to 15 years or longer. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for routine checkups are the best ways to prolong the life and use of these dental appliances.
How to Take Good Care of Your Dental Bridges
Now that you understand what to expect and what problems may come when wearing them, it’s time to learn some dental bridge care tips.
Tooth decay occurring in the abutment teeth is the most common threat to the longevity of your bridges. That is why good oral hygiene is a must to prevent bacteria build up that can cause tooth decay and gum issues.
Incorporate these oral care habits to your daily routine to keep your mouth and bridges clean, healthy, and free from decay-causing bacteria:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily. Make sure to get rid of food debris under the bridge and between your teeth. Avoid flossing too hard to prevent bleeding.
- Swish using a fluoride mouth rinse to fight off odour and bacteria.
- Visit your dental hygienist for routine cleanings. Bridges should be cleaned every 6 months to avoid the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Check in with your dentist regularly to know the condition of your bridges and to address possible issues immediately.
Be Mindful of Your Eating Habits
Your food choices can also impact the condition of your bridges and other dental accessories. Here is a list of food items you need to cut back on if you want to maintain the durability of your dental bridges:
- Sugar-rich foods and drinks – Your bridges are made of hard porcelain material, making them resistant to decay. However, the teeth and gums underneath them are not. Sugary foods and beverages expose your teeth to the risk of decay. When consuming candies, desserts, or sodas, brush your teeth and drink lots of water to flush off excess sugar.
- Hot and cold drinks – These food items trigger teeth sensitivity. If you must drink tea or coffee or eat ice cream, consume them at mild temperatures to minimize discomfort.
- Hard foods – False teeth can get damaged when exposed to too much pressure. Eating hard foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can crack the surface of your bridge. So does munching on raw vegetables like carrots. When eating crunchy fruits and veggies, slice them into smaller pieces first.
- Teeth-staining beverages – Dental bridges are not resistant to fading and discolouration; it is difficult to restore their pearly white appearance. If replacing them for new and whiter ones is not an option, try to reduce your intake of coffee, black tea, and wine. These drinks can discolour both natural and false teeth.
- Chewy or sticky foods – Residues of sticky foods like chewing gum, raisins, jelly, and peanut butter cling to the teeth surface; removing them can be tough. These sticky substances also tend to get lodged under the bridge or between bridges. When not removed, these sticky foods can invite teeth-damaging bacteria.
On the other hand, these are examples of bridge-friendly foods you can eat and that will not affect the durability of your dental appliances:
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies and shakes
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Soft-cooked and shredded meat and chicken
- Tofu
- Noodles and pasta
- Avocado
- Ripe fruits (sliced into small pieces)
- Pancakes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Bread
- Custard and pudding
- Cooked or canned fruit
Your dental bridges require proper and consistent care. This involves keeping your whole mouth clean to prevent odour and bacteria while making healthy diet choices. When you make these a daily habit, you can enjoy durable bridges for several years.
If you are looking for a qualified dental team that custom-fits bridges and can help you look after your oral health, contact Springdale Dental Centre. We have made a name for ourselves by servicing Brampton residents for many years.
We are known to be one of the most trusted providers of cosmetic and restorative dentistry in the area. Book your appointment by calling 905-458-1212 or sending an email to in**@sp**************.com.
