You had a row of missing teeth that was making life more complicated than it needed to be. Or maybe just one missing tooth was taking a toll on your confidence. After talking things over with your dentist, you decided to go through with a dental bridge treatment. Now that some time has passed and you’ve adjusted to your new smile, you pretty much treat your dental bridge like natural teeth! Maybe you even sometimes forget that they’re inorganic.
It’s awesome that your dental bridge feels seamless – that’s the goal. But if you want it to last a long time and spare your wallet from repairs, there are some things you should know. Keep reading for some common reasons your bridge might fail and how to avoid them.
The Usual Suspect: Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene really is the root of all dental evil. If you’re not maintaining a solid tooth brushing routine, both your dental bridge and natural teeth will start experiencing problems. Harmful bacteria could weaken your natural teeth with decay and thin your gums with gingivitis. Without these support systems, your dental bridge will become loose.
Remember to brush twice a day and floss once every day. It can be tough to clean around your dental bridge, so pay special attention to that area. Rinsing your mouth with warm water can help dislodge soft debris you may have missed.
Dental Bridges are Friends, not Tools
It’s not a good idea to use your teeth like tools, and though durable, your dental bridge isn’t as tough as your natural enamel! Avoid using your dental friends to open bottlecaps, tear packaging, and trim (or compulsively bite) your nails. There are other tools for that!
You’ll also want to avoid biting down on hard and crunchy foods – including ice. The bottom line is that hard surfaces will wear down your bridge until it chips or cracks. If you can’t resist a tasty temptation every now and then, try to chew in a way that steers clear of your bridge.
When Your Dental Bridge Loses Support
We looked at how poor oral hygiene can weaken your dental bridge’s support system. However, sometimes our oral structure simply shifts with age. As your tooth alignment changes, your dental bridge might become loose or crowded. In this case, you’ll want to get your bridge’s fit adjusted. This will be more comfortable for you, and your oral health will thank you for it!
Lean on Your Best Resource: Your Dentist
When it comes to oral care, your dentist is your best resource. That might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised! Simply attending the recommended biannual checkup can save you from a lot of trouble. Your dentist is trained to notice early signs of dental bridge failure and can swoop in to fix the problem before it progresses into a huge hassle. If you want help ensuring your bridge lasts as long as possible, just ask the pros!
About the Practice
Drs. Travis Spillman and Jacquelyn Green will give you and your dental bridge personalized, one-on-one attention. Both accomplished dentists have two decades of experience in the field, so you know you’re getting quality treatment and recommendations. If your bridge is giving you trouble or you want to know how to best maintain it, call 214-823-5253. For more information, visit their website.