Caring for Your Dental Bridge: Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Protecting Your Bridge Investment

A dental bridge restores your smile and bite after tooth loss. At FB Dental Yarrabilba, we want your bridge to last as long as possible. With proper care, bridges typically function well for 10-15 years or longer.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Brush your bridge twice daily like natural teeth. Pay special attention to where the bridge meets the gum line. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the false tooth (pontic) where food can accumulate. Water flossers are excellent for cleaning around bridges, especially for those finding threaders difficult.

Protecting Supporting Teeth

The teeth anchoring your bridge (abutments) must remain healthy. They bear extra load from the missing tooth, so decay or gum disease affecting them compromises the entire bridge. Maintain excellent hygiene around these teeth and attend regular dental check-ups for professional monitoring.

Foods and Habits to Avoid

Avoid very sticky foods like toffee that could dislodge the bridge. Don't chew ice, hard lollies, or non-food objects. If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard to protect your bridge from excessive forces. Don't use teeth as tools to open packaging.

Signs of Problems

Contact us if your bridge feels loose or moves when eating, you notice bad taste or smell around the bridge, pain develops in supporting teeth, or the bridge chips or cracks. Early attention to issues often allows simple repairs rather than bridge replacement.

Have a dental bridge? Schedule maintenance appointments at FB Dental Yarrabilba to keep it in excellent condition.