Top Tips for Keeping Your Dental Bridge Clean

A dental bridge fills the gap where one or more teeth are missing. Your natural teeth or dental implants typically anchor it, and it’s an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. It doesn’t just look natural; it’s also functional, allowing you to bite and chew as you’d have with your original teeth.

Although a dental bridge is a prosthetic, you need to care for it just as carefully as your natural teeth. Keeping it clean and well-maintained will ensure its long-term durability. If you don’t properly care for your dental bridge, plaque can build up around it, leading to gum disease and other dental problems.

In Butte, Montana, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, is renowned for installing and helping his patients maintain high-quality dental bridges that look great, feel comfortable, and are long-lasting. At his practice, you are guaranteed top-notch care and advice on how to take care of your dental bridge. 

In this blog, he shares practical, easy-to-follow tips for keeping your dental bridge clean and in excellent condition.

Why cleaning your dental bridge is so important

Dental bridges are designed to last many years, but their lifespan largely depends on how well you care for them. If you don’t clean the bridge correctly, food and plaque can build up around and under it, leading to bad breath, gum infections, and damage to the supporting teeth.

If your natural teeth support the bridge, neglecting it can lead to decay, which will weaken the supporting teeth over time. Poor hygiene can also lead to bad breath. Good hygiene ensures your dental bridge looks good and remains functional for years.

Tips for keeping your dental bridge clean

Now that you know why you need to keep your dental bridge clean, here’s how to do so:

Brush twice a day, but be gentle

Regular brushing is non-negotiable, but the technique you use matters. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the bridge and the surrounding gums. Brush thoroughly around the bridge, cleaning the area where the bridge meets your natural teeth.

Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the teeth supporting your bridge and prevent decay. Electric toothbrushes with small, rotating heads can be particularly effective for cleaning hard-to-reach areas around your bridge.

You still have to floss daily 

Flossing can be tricky with a dental bridge, but removing food particles and plaque from under the bridge is essential. While regular floss can’t reach under the bridge, a floss threader or water flosser will do the job.  

If you’re unsure which flossing tool is best for your dental bridge, Dr. Wilcox can make personalized recommendations during your routine visits.

Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash

A quick rinse with an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash can reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss, helping to keep your gums healthy and your breath fresh. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol to prevent drying out your mouth.

Watch what you eat

Sticky, chewy foods like caramel or gum can dislodge or damage your dental bridge. Similarly, hard foods like popcorn kernels or nuts can crack or wear it down. On the other hand, crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are good for you and naturally clean your teeth as you chew.

Schedule regular checkups

One of the best things you can do for your dental bridge and your oral health, in general, is to schedule regular visits with Dr. Wilcox. 

During these visits, Dr. Wilcox carries out routine cleanings, ensures your bridge is secure, and assesses the health of your gums and supporting teeth to catch any issues before they become serious problems.

A dental bridge improves the appearance and function of your teeth. But keeping it clean and in good condition is essential for avoiding complications and maximizing its lifespan. From regular brushing and flossing to professional checkups, a little daily effort goes a long way.

If you’re considering a dental bridge or need help maintaining one, schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilcox today.