How to Care For a Dental Bridge?    

Here are some practical tips to help you care for your dental bridge:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently brush the bridge, gums, and surrounding teeth at least twice a day.
• Use effective tools for cleaning hard-to-reach areas around the bridge and to maintain healthy gums.
• Be mindful of the foods you eat to avoid damaging the dental bridge. Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that can exert excessive force on the bridge and potentially dislodge or damage it. 
• If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing your tobacco use to improve the longevity and success of your dental bridge and overall oral health.
• Use a custom-made mouthguard or night guard to prevent excessive wear and tear on the bridge and surrounding teeth while you sleep.     

How Do You Clean a Dental Bridge         

Here’s a step-by-step process for cleaning a dental bridge:

Brush the Bridge:

Gently brush the surfaces of the dental bridge, including the crowns as well as the surrounding teeth and gums. Brush in small circular motions to remove plaque and debris.

Clean Between the Teeth:

Gently slide the floss or brush between the teeth and under the bridge by moving it up and down to remove plaque and food particles. Do not force the floss or brush, as this can damage the bridge or irritate your gums.

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining toothpaste, plaque, or debris. Swish the water around your mouth and between your teeth to ensure all areas are clean.

Check for Debris:

Use a dental mirror to inspect the dental bridge and surrounding teeth for any remaining plaque or debris. If necessary, repeat the brushing and flossing process to ensure thorough cleaning and for dental bridge maintenance.     

What Are Dental Bridge Cleaning Tools

 Following are some common options for dental bridge cleaning tools:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Super floss.
• Interdental brushes.
• Water flosser.
• Dental picks or stimulators.
• Floss threader.

How Dental Bridge Flossing is Done?    

Here are the steps to floss around a dental bridge effectively:

• Start with an adequate length of floss which is 18 to 24 inches.
• Thread the floss under the bridge. Use a back-and-forth motion to guide the floss through the gap without forcing it.
• Once the floss is under the bridge, wrap it around the adjacent natural tooth on one side of the bridge.
• With the floss securely wrapped around the tooth, gently glide it up and down along the side of the tooth and under the gumline. 
• After cleaning one side of the dental bridge, repeat the process on the other side by threading the floss under the bridge and wrapping it around the adjacent natural tooth. Again, gently glide the floss up and down to clean the area thoroughly.
• As you move from one tooth to the next, use a fresh section of floss to prevent spreading bacteria and plaque. Repeat the flossing process for each tooth adjacent to the dental bridge.  

What Not To Do After Getting a Bridge?  

• Don’t skip your oral hygiene routine. 
• Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages, tear tape, or perform other tasks that can strain or damage the dental bridge.
• After getting a bridge do not delay seeking professional dental care if you experience any issues with your dental bridge.
• Don’t consume excessive amounts of sugary or acidic foods and beverages.

Is Waterpik Good For Bridges? 

Yes, a Waterpik is good for cleaning around dental bridges. For individuals with bridges, especially those with difficulty using traditional floss, a Waterpik can be an effective tool for maintaining oral hygiene.     

Are Electric Toothbrushes Safe For Bridges?   

Yes, electric toothbrushes are generally safe for use with dental bridges. Dental professionals recommend electric toothbrushes for their effectiveness in removing plaque and maintaining oral hygiene. 

These toothbrushes typically feature oscillating or rotating bristles that can reach areas around bridges more effectively than manual toothbrushes.