A Guide on How to Clean Under Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a widely popular solution for replacing missing teeth, aiding to restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile. While dental bridges can significantly improve your quality of life, maintaining proper hygiene around and under them is crucial for preventing issues like bad breath, decay, and gum disease. This detailed guide provides essential tips on how to clean under a dental bridge effectively, ensuring its longevity and your overall oral health.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge comprises of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) kept in place by crowns joined to the adjacent teeth (abutments). Bridges can be made from diverse materials, including porcelain, ceramics, or metal alloys, all designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

At Innovo Dental and Implant Studio, our skilled team specializes in providing high-quality dental bridges in Tracy, CA, tailored to meet your unique needs.

Understanding the Importance of Cleaning Under Dental Bridge

Cleaning under your dental bridge is essential for several reasons:

• Preventing plaque buildup: Food particles and bacteria can get trapped under the bridge, leading to plaque formation.
• Avoiding gum disease: Poor oral hygiene can result in gum inflammation and infection.
• Ensuring the longevity of your dental bridge: Regular cleaning can help prevent damage to the bridge itself.

Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean under your dental bridge.

Tools for Cleaning Under Dental Bridges

• Super Floss and Floss Threaders: Specially designed to navigate the spaces under bridges, orthodontic floss (or super floss) has stiff ends that facilitate threading under the pontic, with a spongy or fluffy segment that cleans the gap effectively.
• Interdental Brushes: Small, brush-tipped tools that can clean around the abutments and under the bridge where regular toothbrush bristles might not reach.
• Water Flossers: A water flosser uses a stream of pulsating water to take out plaque and food particles from under the bridge and between teeth, offering an effective alternative or supplement to traditional flossing.
• Antibacterial Mouthwash: Using an effective antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria in hard-to-reach areas under and around the dental bridge.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Under Dental Bridge

• Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to softly clean the surface of your teeth and bridge. Focus on the gum line and the points where the bridge meets the natural teeth to remove plaque effectively.

Flossing with Super Floss or a Floss Threader:

• Cut a piece of super floss or thread a regular floss into the floss threader.
• Gently insert the stiff end of the floss or the threader under the pontic of the bridge.
• Use a careful, gentle back-and-forth motion to clean the sides of the abutments and slide the floss or spongy part under the bridge to remove plaque and food particles.
• Carefully pull the floss out and use a fresh section for each space under your bridge.

Using an Interdental Brush:

• Select an interdental brush of appropriate size for the gap under your bridge.
• Gently insert the brush under the bridge and use a soft in-and-out motion to clean the area.

Water Flossing:

• Fill your water flosser with lukewarm water and, if recommended by your dentist, a suitable mouthwash.
• Use the flosser’s tip to target the area under and around the bridge, following the manufacturer’s instructions for pressure settings.

Rinsing with Antibacterial Mouthwash:

• After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with an antibacterial mouthwash to remove any loosened plaque and kill bacteria.

Tips and Tricks for Maintaining a Healthy Dental Bridge

• Regular Dental Check-ups: Make sure you visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and expert cleanings.
• Avoid Sticky Foods: Sticky foods get stuck under the bridge and promote plaque formation.
• Use Dental Wax: Dental wax can create a barrier between the bridge and your gums to prevent irritation.
• Diet and Hydration: Have a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support overall oral health.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean dental bridge is vital for your oral health and the longevity of your restoration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your dental bridge remains free of plaque and bacteria. Remember to brush, floss, and rinse daily, and don’t forget to schedule regular dental check-ups with a trusted dentist in Tracy, CA. Your smile will thank you!

Now that you have the knowledge of how to clean under your dental bridge, it’s time to take action and incorporate these tips into your daily oral hygiene routine. A healthy smile starts with proper care, so don’t neglect the area under your dental bridge. Your clean and healthy smile awaits!