A dental bridge is a fantastic method for replacing missing teeth, helping to improve your oral health and your smile. A dental bridge is designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth, by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.

A bridge for your teeth is durable and a long-lasting solution, but proper care is essential to ensure your dental bridge lasts for years to come, alongside preventing any problems. We’re exploring the ways in which you can and need to look after your dental bridge to maintain good oral care.

Understanding Your Dental Bridge

The structure of a traditional dental bridge typically consists of one or more pontics, which are held by dental crowns that are attached onto your adjacent teeth – also known as the abutment teeth. You can find out more about the different dental bridges here.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

It’s important to maintain a good oral care routine, whether you have a dental bridge or not. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth: It’s important to continue brushing your teeth twice daily, using a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to take care when brushing around and under your dental bridge.
• Floss: This is a crucial part of any oral care routine, since flossing your teeth helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your the bridge.
• Use a mouthwash: Ask your dentist for a recommended mouthwash, which can help to kill bacteria in your mouth and around the bridge, as well as freshen your breath.

Other Ways To Look After Your Dental Bridge

Beyond the usual oral care routine, there are other ways in which you can look after and ensure the longevity of your dental bridge.

• Maintain a healthy diet. By limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks, this can play a role in preventing oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, alongside maintaining your bridge. We also recommend hard or sticky foods are avoided to ensure your bridge doesn’t get dislodged or damaged.
• Be aware of any changes. If you experience any swelling, discomfort, or pain, it’s important you consult your dentist right away.
• Regular dental check ups. Organising regular visits to see your dentist for a check up and clean is vital. This is an opportunity for your dentist to check your dental bridge is healthy, along with the abutment teeth and your gums.

If you ever find your dental bridge feels wobbly or loose, we recommend you contact your dentist quickly to ensure it can be fixed as soon as possible.

Losing your teeth doesn’t mean your oral health and smile has to be affected for years to come! By following these tips and maintaining a good oral care routine, you can take good care of your dental bridge and ensure you live with a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you have questions about dental bridges, don’t hesitate to contact our team who are ready and happy to help you.