Life is full of delicious treats and adventurous activities, but without proper oral habits, all this fun can come with the terrible price of tooth decay and dental trauma. Qualified dentists might ease your oral worries by giving you dental bridges in Clyde, NC, artificial teeth they fix to your mouth to restore your chewing and talking.
You can make your dental bridges last longer than a decade by following a few steps every day, like cleaning your prosthesis, avoiding certain foods, and scheduling dentist visits.
Caring for Your Dental Bridges 101
After shaping your dental bridges to fit your mouth, your dentist will attach them to adjacent teeth and cover the empty socket. The standard lifespan of this prosthesis is five to seven years, but it can stay in place and give you a natural-looking, complete smile for up to a decade with adequate oral care.
Tips to Have Long-Lasting Dental Bridges
Adopt Proper Cleaning Habits
Brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle for up to two minutes is the cornerstone of keeping your dental bridges in tip-top shape. Since dental bridges are made of porcelain, plaque and tartar cannot change their shade to yellow. However, by learning to brush your teeth, you will take care of the food hiding between your prosthesis and natural teeth, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Using the correct tools is also a great way to keep your dental bridges pristine. Avoid hard bristle toothbrushes as they can be aggressive to the protective glaze and materials of your prosthesis and make it look worn-out. Floss and mouthwash are also trusty allies to remove harmful bacteria, giving your dental bridges a longer life.
Don’t Chew on Certain Foods
Learning correct oral habits is half the battle, but you must be aware of certain foods that can break or scratch your dental bridges. Sticky meals can stay on your prosthesis, attracting bacteria like moths to a flame and giving you severe dental problems. Sugary foods can also remain on the gums surrounding your bridges, increasing your chances of tooth decay. Avoid candy or honey, and drink carbonated drinks with a straw, so they don’t come into contact with your bridges.
Dental bridges can also require a touch-up or replacement when you use them to chew on hard foods like nuts, carrots, and ice. Break these meals into smaller pieces before putting them in your mouth, or don’t eat them altogether for long-lasting dental bridges.
Get Regular Dental Check-ups
Visiting a dental professional at least twice a year is game-changing to rid your mouth of oral problems. However, scheduling specific appointments to keep your dental bridges in check is also vital. Only dentists can determine if you need a change of prosthesis or if you are good to go for the next couple of months.
Call your dentist in case of a dental emergency with your bridges, like if they get loose or break. Make sure to go to your dentist’s office if the gums surrounding your bridge bleed, hurt, or swell since this can signal a dental problem putting your prosthesis and oral health in danger.
Dental Bridges in Clyde, NC, Might Be the Answer for You
Dental bridges can last up to a decade if you clean them properly, avoid certain foods, and visit a dental professional when needed. Our team at Cataloochee Dental Group is concerned about teaching you about proper oral health and giving you top-quality dental bridges. Book an appointment with us today!
