A dental bridge is an oral tool that patients can use to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. As such, dental bridges are a popular choice among patients to easily address permanent tooth loss without blowing their budgets.
If you want to replace one or more missing teeth, then it’s time to contact Dr. Gary Horblitt in Fairfield, CT. Dr. Horblitt and his compassionate team can help you complete your smile with cost-effective and comfortable solutions. Simply call (203) 335-1011 or send us a message here to request your appointment now.
In this blog post, Dr. Horblitt gives you five ways to avoid dental bridge problems. Knowing how to avoid issues now can keep your smile healthy well into the future.
Check the Fit of Your Dental Bridge
A well-fitted dental bridge should leave very little room between the appliance and the gums. An ill-fitted appliance may be wiggly, which can cause irritation and damage over time. And, it can trap more food debris, which may lead to gum disease, dental decay, and bad breath.
So, before you leave your dentist’s office, make sure that the dental bridge fits snuggly against the gums and neighboring teeth. If it feels loose or uncomfortable, let your dentist know. They may be able to make small adjustments before sending you home.
Use Your Teeth as Teeth – Not Tools
Have you ever used your teeth to open packaging? Or what about to trim your fingernails? We’re all guilty of it, but these behaviors are dangerous to our teeth and dental restorations.
Using the teeth as tools can result in permanent damage, like chips and cracks. And, unfortunately, a dental bridge is not immune to damage either. This means that patients should avoid using their teeth (including their bridges and dentures!) as tools.
Know Which Foods to Avoid with a Dental Bridge
Even though a dental bridge can help you chew your food, there are some foods that you should avoid, such as:
- Sticky foods, like gum, taffy, and caramel
- Hard foods, like raw carrots, ice, and peanut brittle
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Sugary treats (including soft and hard candies!)
These foods can loosen or damage a dental bridge, which may prove painful. Not only that, but some of these foods (like popcorn kernels) can get underneath a bridge, resulting in bothersome irritation.
Practice Great Oral Hygiene
A dental bridge contains false teeth, but even false teeth require daily upkeep. So, patients should continue to brush their teeth and bridges after snacks, meals, or at least twice a day.
And, don’t forget to floss! Flossing is even more important with a dental bridge because food debris gets trapped between the appliance and the gums. Specialized tools (like these) can help patients easily remove plaque and food particles (psst…we recommend water flossers and interdental brushes!).
Visit a Dentist Regularly
Twice-yearly visits to a dentist keep your teeth, gums, and dental appliances healthy and functional all year round. This means that routine dental appointments may be your frontline defense against dental bridge problems.
So, if it’s been more than a year since your last dental visit, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Fairfield, CT!
Schedule a Consultation Now
Want to see if dental bridges are right for you? Contact Dr. Gary Horblitt today at (203) 335-1011 or online here to get started now.
