A dental bridge is a fixed appliance used to replace missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to crowns on adjacent natural teeth. The temporary bridge serves as a protective cover for the prepared teeth while the permanent restoration is custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory. This short-term appliance maintains space and function, but it requires careful diet management. This ensures the underlying teeth remain protected until the final bridge is ready.
Understanding the Vulnerability of Temporary Bridges
The need for a restricted diet stems from how the temporary restoration is secured. Unlike the final bridge, which uses strong, permanent cement, the temporary appliance is affixed with a weaker, temporary cement. This design allows the dentist to easily remove the bridge without damaging the prepared teeth when placing the permanent one.
This necessary weakness means the temporary bridge can be dislodged or loosened by excessive force or sticky substances. Temporary bridges are also typically made from less durable materials, such as acrylic resin. Applying too much pressure can cause the material to crack or fracture, compromising the protection of the sensitive prepared teeth beneath.
Recommended Soft Foods and Liquids
Focusing on soft, easily chewed, or pureed foods protects the temporary bridge from undue stress. Immediately following placement, smooth liquids and very soft items are the safest options. These include pureed soups, broths, milkshakes, and yogurt without chunky additives.
As comfort improves, the diet can expand to include soft options requiring minimal chewing. Safe choices include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft cheeses like cottage cheese, and well-cooked pasta. It is also wise to avoid food or drinks with extreme temperatures, as the underlying prepared tooth can be sensitive to excessive heat or cold.
Foods and Habits to Strictly Avoid
The most significant risk to a temporary bridge comes from foods that exert detrimental forces. Sticky foods must be strictly avoided because they can adhere to the restoration and physically pull it away. Their adhesive force is often stronger than the temporary cement’s low-bond strength.
Hard and crunchy foods pose a direct risk of fracturing or chipping the acrylic material. Tearing or excessively chewy foods can also destabilize the restoration by applying a shearing force.
Foods to avoid include:
- Sticky items such as caramel, toffee, chewing gum, and sticky candies.
- Hard and crunchy items like ice, nuts, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and hard crackers.
- Tough meats (jerky or steak) and crusty breads.
Practical Tips for Eating and Chewing
Adopting specific chewing techniques is crucial for the bridge’s stability, beyond just selecting the right foods. The primary goal is to minimize pressure and tearing action applied directly to the temporary restoration. Consciously chew food predominantly on the side of the mouth opposite the temporary bridge.
All food, even soft items, should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces before being placed in the mouth, eliminating the need to bite directly into food. After eating, clean the area gently by rinsing with water, but avoid aggressive swishing or using traditional floss, which can snag and pull the bridge loose.