Dental bridges can be great solutions for missing or missing teeth. However, you should be aware of the various dental bridge problems that can occur.
Read on to learn more about common problems that can occur with bridges and how to avoid them.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Bridges are artificial or dentures used to replace teeth lost due to injury, tooth decay or other reasons. If your dentist recommends replacing one or more missing teeth, a bridge can improve your smile, restore your ability to eat and speak, and keep your other teeth from slipping.
Common Problems with Dental Bridges
Bridges need care just like your real teeth. Bridges can be affected by poor oral hygiene habits. And if they don’t fit properly, it can cause more bacteria to build up on your gum line. Common dental bridge problems include:
.Food stuck under the dental bridge
.Plaque and tartar development
.Damage from hard or crunchy foods
.Learn more about common problems below and read how to prevent and treat them.
Accumulation of Food Particles
While dental bridges are intended to fit your gumline perfectly, osteoporosis or an improper device can create an open space between the bridge and the gumline. This creates a food trap where particles can accumulate. If you cannot clean your mouth effectively, bacteria will start to grow in your mouth. Not only can this cause bad breath, but more importantly, it can cause gum disease that can eventually lead to weakening of the anchor teeth that support the bridge. Weakening of the teeth can lead to loosening of the bridge and eventually tooth loss.
Tartar Development
Dental bridges are permanent fixators in the mouth, which means you cannot easily remove them to clean the area. When bacteria develop and combine with saliva, plaque begins to form in the mouth. Unless you remove it, plaque can harden and form tartar or calculus, which is much more difficult to remove. Tartar leads to gingivitis and eventually periodontal disease if not treated by a dentist.
Damage to Your Bridge
Dentists advise patients with dental bridges to avoid chewing too much of foods such as raw vegetables, hard candies, and ice. These foods can damage the bridge, which may require repair or replacement.
Solving Dental Bridge Problems
Preventive measures are essential to protect your bridge. Your bridge may wear out.
Before leaving your dentist or prosthodontist’s office, make sure your bridge is in place.
avoiding foods that are known to cause problems, especially hard or sticky foods
practicing good oral hygiene
Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about dental floss or other interdental cleaners that are easy to use with bridges.
Use a toothbrush designed to clean all hard-to-reach areas
Consult your dentist or hygienist for recommendations for the best mouthwash for bridges.
Schedule regular checkups to make sure your dental bridge is intact and working as it should
Get regular professional dental cleanings to prevent gingivitis and other oral diseases
By being proactive, taking care of your oral health, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can reap all the benefits of a dental bridge and avoid many of these problems.
