Dental bridges in Webster play a crucial role in maintaining both the function and appearance of your smile after losing a tooth. They’re among the most widely used tooth replacement options. Like other tooth restorations, dental bridges require proper care to ensure long-term results and oral health. Here’s how you can maintain your dental bridge and remaining teeth.
Cleaning Dental Bridges
The first area to address is oral hygiene. To ensure their teeth and dental bridges are well cared for, elderly patients should brush their teeth twice daily. They should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent potential wear to their dental bridges. Never use a dental bridge or your natural teeth to open packaging or other tasks, as it can damage them.
Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of flossing. This practice is essential for preventing plaque accumulation around the bridge. You might consider special floss threaders to better clean around the bridge or ask your dentist for better flossing techniques around your bridges.
Patients with dental restorations often benefit from mouthwash as well. Antimicrobial mouthwash manages bacteria and plaque, reaching even the most challenging spaces. Remember, though, that mouthwash can’t replace brushing and flossing. It is an effective addition that works alongside your normal oral hygiene routine.
Keeping Up With Routine Checkups
Elderly patients with dental bridges or other restorations should visit the dentist for routine checkups. These checkups allow dentists to monitor the condition of the dental bridge and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. You should schedule an appointment every six months unless your dentist recommends more frequent visits.
The professional teeth cleaning your dentist carries out during such visits is essential for removing plaque and tartar. Even an effective at-home oral hygiene routine tends to miss difficult areas. Your dentist uses special tools to tackle these challenging spots and prevent plaque accumulation that leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.
During checkups, your dentist will examine your bridge for signs of wear or loosening. Identifying these problems early allows for adjustments that keep your bridge functioning properly for longer. Keeping up with routine dental visits enables you to extend the lifespan of your dental bridge and ensure optimal oral health.
Spotting Signs of Wear
Dental bridges are made to last. The expected longevity of traditional dental bridges is approximately ten years.[1] With proper care, they can last even longer. Watching for signs of wear or damage lets you intervene and reach out to your dentist before those problems get worse.
Common signs of damage and wear include loosening, discomfort when chewing, and visible cracks in the dental bridge. Don’t ignore these signs. Keep in mind, too, that an ill-fitting bridge isn’t just an inconvenience. It also affects the surrounding teeth and leads to additional wear and potential orthodontic issues when it bridges the gap improperly.
Bridges help maintain the shape of your face as well. If you notice slight facial differences, it could be due to a damaged or ill-fitting bridge. This typically takes place over the course of years, but you should talk to your dentist about it if you notice it.
Dealing With Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is another common issue that elderly patients face. Both aging and a variety of medications impact saliva production. Low saliva levels allow bacteria to thrive in your mouth, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.[2]
The acids they produce are also potentially harmful to dental bridges. Staying hydrated is a great way to combat dry mouth. Dry mouth is also associated with conditions such as diabetes, so make sure to discuss it with your dentist.
Find Out More About Dental Bridges in Webster
Taking care of dental bridges in Webster helps extend their lifespan while ensuring lasting oral health. Focusing on good oral hygiene, dental checkups, and avoiding wear lets you make the most of your dental bridge.
Empire Dental Care is here to help you whether you’re considering a dental bridge or looking for help maintaining your smile. Schedule an appointment today by contacting us online or calling 585-671-1650.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK596304/
[2] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/DryMouth&OlderAdults-508.pdf
