How to Clean Under a Dental Bridge

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, and when you have a dental bridge, it becomes even more essential. Dental bridges are a common solution for missing teeth, but they also require special care to ensure they last long and your oral health remains intact. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of effectively cleaning your teeth after getting a dental bridge in Cerritos. 

Understanding Dental Bridges

Dental bridges, as the name suggests, bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They are made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth or teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. 

• Dental bridges help restore your smile
• They restore the ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintain the shape of your face
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Importance of Cleaning Under a Dental Bridge

Cleaning under a dental bridge is vital because food particles and bacteria can get trapped underneath, leading to plaque build-up. This can cause bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay, not to mention potentially compromising the integrity of the bridge itself. 

• Regular cleaning prevents plaque build-up
• It helps maintain the durability of the bridge
• Prevents bad breath
• Reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay

How to Clean Under a Dental Bridge

Cleaning under a dental bridge involves more than just regular brushing. You'll need to floss and use other specialized cleaning tools designed for dental bridges. 

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Soft bristles are less likely to damage the bridge.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss daily: Use a floss threader or a special bridge floss that’s designed to clean the hard-to-reach areas under a bridge.

Using Specialized Cleaning Tools

There are several specialized tools available that can make cleaning under a dental bridge easier. Interdental brushes, oral irrigators, and floss threaders are all designed to help clean hard-to-reach areas under a bridge. 

• Interdental brushes: These are small brushes that can clean between teeth and around bridges.
• Oral irrigators: Also known as water flossers, these devices use a stream of pulsating water to clean between teeth and under bridges.
• Floss threaders: These tools help you get floss under your bridge to clean the area effectively.

Regular Dental Checkups

Besides your daily cleaning routine, regular dental checkups are crucial to maintaining the health of your dental bridge. Your dentist can professionally clean your teeth and bridge, as well as check for any potential issues. 

• Regular checkups help maintain oral health
• Professional cleaning can reach areas that daily cleaning might miss
• Your dentist can identify and address any potential issues early

Schedule Your Appointment in Cerritos Today!

At Cerritos Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Jared Wu and his team are committed to helping you maintain your oral health and your dental bridge in Cerritos. Don't wait for a problem to arise before you take action. Reach out to us today at (562) 924-8663 to schedule your appointment and ensure your smile remains healthy and vibrant.