Your new bridge replaces several lost teeth, restoring the appearance and full function of your mouth, While the bridge is made from artificial materials that will not suffer tooth decay, it will still need to be cleaned as part of your oral hygiene routine.
Periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease can still impact your bridge. Food particles and plaque buildup that is not removed from the gum line can harden into tartar, which is the leading cause of gum disease.
If it is not resolved in a timely manner, gum disease can cause gum tissues to recede from the base of your teeth. This opens up pockets of infection that can compromise the roots of the abutments, that anchor your bridge to your jawbone.
Prevention is the best weapon against gum disease. This involves brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to remove food particles and plaque from the bridge and anchoring teeth. If you’re having a hard time effectively cleaning around the bridge, you might want to try using interdental brushes or a dental water jet. If you’re having trouble flossing the area, could also try to use a floss threader with waxed floss.
Once the area is clean you can then rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Just remember that they are not an effective substitute for dental floss.
If you have questions about how to clean your bridge, feel free to call us at 858-457-7747 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you find the best way to maintain your bridge.