A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. It restores chewing function and enhances appearance. Proper oral hygiene is important for its longevity and overall oral health.
Why Cleaning Your Dental Bridge Matters
Cleaning around and under a dental bridge is important for several reasons. Food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate in the spaces created by a bridge, increasing the risk of serious dental issues.
Plaque and bacteria can build up around the bridge and gums, potentially leading to gum inflammation and periodontal disease around the supporting abutment teeth. Such buildup can also cause decay on the natural teeth that support the bridge, which would compromise the bridge’s stability. Consistent cleaning helps prevent these problems, contributing to the bridge’s durability and the health of the surrounding oral structures.
Effective Flossing Techniques and Tools for Bridges
Flossing a dental bridge is not only possible but necessary to remove trapped food particles and plaque. Since a bridge connects teeth, preventing traditional flossing between them, specialized tools are helpful for cleaning underneath.
Dental floss threaders allow you to guide regular floss under the bridge. To use one, thread floss through the threader’s loop, then gently insert the stiff end under the bridge between the artificial tooth and the gum line. Once the floss is underneath, remove the threader and clean the sides of the abutment teeth and the underside of the pontic with a gentle back-and-forth motion.
Another specialized option is Super Floss, which features a stiffened end, a spongy middle, and a regular floss section. The stiff end helps guide the floss under the bridge, while the spongy part cleans around the pontic and in wider gaps. This design makes it effective for removing plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Interdental brushes can also clean around the abutments and under the bridge where regular toothbrush bristles might not reach. They come in various sizes, so selecting the correct size for your specific gaps is helpful for effective cleaning.
Water flossers use a pulsating stream of water to flush out food particles and loose plaque from under the bridge and around dental crowns. While they are effective for dislodging debris and can be a good adjunct to traditional flossing, they might not remove sticky plaque as thoroughly as mechanical flossing tools. When using any tool, always be gentle to avoid damaging the bridge or irritating your gums. Start with the lowest pressure setting on a water flosser and aim the stream between your gums and the bridge, rather than directly at the gumline.
Ensuring Long-Term Bridge Health
Beyond daily flossing, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are important for monitoring the bridge’s integrity and the health of surrounding tissues. These visits allow dentists to remove stubborn plaque and tartar that at-home brushing might miss and to assess the condition of the bridge. Dentists can also identify any potential issues early, helping to maintain the bridge’s comfort and function.
It is also beneficial to be aware of signs that might indicate a problem with the bridge. Discomfort or pain around the bridge, increased sensitivity in the gums or supporting teeth, or a loose fit can signal an issue. Other indicators include visible damage like cracks or chips, changes in your bite, or persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.
If any of these signs appear, contacting a dentist promptly for an evaluation is advisable. Complementing bridge care with general oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and using an antimicrobial mouthwash, further supports overall oral health.