A temporary dental bridge is a protective, non-permanent restoration placed over prepared teeth while a custom permanent bridge is being fabricated. This provisional device is typically constructed from materials like acrylic resin or composite and is held in place with weaker, temporary dental cement. The primary function of this restoration is to shield sensitive tooth structures and maintain correct spacing until the final restoration is ready. Because the cement is designed for easy removal, the bridge is inherently fragile and susceptible to becoming dislodged or fractured. Adopting a modified diet is necessary to ensure the temporary bridge remains securely in place throughout the waiting period.
Foods to Strictly Avoid
The most significant risk to a temporary bridge comes from foods that apply excessive force or create strong adhesive bonds. Avoiding certain textures prevents the fracture of the acrylic material or the failure of the temporary cement. Excessively sticky food items, such as chewing gum, caramel, taffy, and other chewy candies, adhere aggressively to the bridge surface. The adhesive force of these items can exert a lifting action that breaks the weak bond between the bridge and the abutment teeth, causing the restoration to become loose or dislodged.
Hard and crunchy foods pose a risk of mechanical failure to the bridge material itself. Temporary bridges are often made of acrylic, which is softer and less fracture-resistant than the final restoration. Biting down on items such as nuts, popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candies creates high impact forces that may crack or chip the provisional bridge. This concentrated pressure can lead to structural damage that compromises the integrity of the appliance.
A third category includes foods that are dense and require extensive, prolonged chewing. Tough, fibrous meats like steak or jerky, as well as extremely crusty breads, demand sustained muscular force to break them down. This heavy chewing action places undue stress on the supporting abutment teeth and the temporary cement. This constant force can gradually weaken the cement bond, increasing the likelihood of the bridge loosening.
Recommended Soft Food Options
Focusing on a soft food diet minimizes the mechanical forces applied to the temporary bridge and supporting dental structures. Foods that are naturally smooth or require very little chewing are ideal choices. Liquids and purees provide nutrition without requiring significant occlusal pressure. This category includes protein shakes, fruit and vegetable smoothies, and creamy, well-blended soups strained of any large chunks.
Soft cooked foods offer substance and volume while remaining gentle on the bridge site. Examples include mashed potatoes, soft-boiled or scrambled eggs, and well-steamed or boiled vegetables, such as carrots and green beans, that can be easily crushed. Tender fish, like cod or salmon, are excellent sources of protein that flake apart readily and require minimal chewing effort. Overcooking these items slightly helps ensure maximum softness and prevents the need for forceful biting.
Dairy products and certain soft fruits form a safe and nutritious part of the temporary diet. Plain yogurt, cottage cheese, and soft cheeses pose no threat of dislodgement or fracture. Fruits like bananas, avocados, and applesauce are soft enough to be consumed safely. For other soft foods, cut them into very small, manageable pieces before eating to further reduce the necessary chewing force.
Eating Techniques and Post-Meal Care
Adopting specific chewing techniques is necessary to protect the temporary bridge. The most important mechanical adjustment is to consistently chew food on the side of the mouth opposite the temporary restoration. This action minimizes direct pressure and prevents high-stress forces from impacting the temporary cement. Also, avoid biting directly into food with the teeth supporting the bridge, especially when consuming items like sandwiches or fruit.
The temporary bridge material often lacks the insulating properties of a permanent restoration, which can lead to heightened sensitivity. Regulate the temperature of food and drinks, avoiding extremes such as scalding hot coffee or very cold ice cream. Consuming lukewarm or room-temperature items helps prevent sharp, uncomfortable sensations that occur when the underlying prepared tooth is exposed to thermal changes.
Maintaining excellent hygiene after eating is crucial for the health of the underlying gums and teeth. After meals, a gentle rinse with warm salt water or a non-alcoholic mouthwash helps clear away food particles without placing stress on the bridge. When flossing, a modified technique is required: instead of pulling the floss up or down, which can dislodge the restoration, the floss should be carefully threaded through and pulled out sideways from under the bridge.