How To Properly Clean Around A Dental Bridge

If you have lost a tooth in your mouth and it is extremely noticeable, then you probably want to have the tooth replaced as soon as possible. While dental implants are the most permanent of all the replacement options, many people do not want to invest their time and money to go through such an uncomfortable dental procedure. If this is true for your situation, then you should consider a dental bridge instead. This device consists of two porcelain crowns and a full tooth in between. All three of these pieces of the bridge are connected, and the crowns are cemented in place. Fortunately, dental bridges can last for 15 years or longer. However, proper care must be taken of the dental device. Keep reading for a few good cleaning tips.

Cleaning Around the Crowns

Dental bridges need to be cleaned carefully and properly to keep them in good condition. Without good care, the gums may become infected and start to recede. This can cause serious issues with the crown-attached teeth. Generally, the crown portions of the dental bridge will be made so they cover as much of the visible teeth as possible. The lower parts of the crowns will be thinned out and tapered so they slip just below the gum line. However, when the gums recede, they reveal parts of the natural dental roots. The roots can decay. Decay can even move up underneath the crown if the cavity grows large enough. The dental bridge will then need to be removed so cavity removal can occur.

You can easily prevent this from happening by brushing around the crown parts of the dental bridge two times a day. While you can use your normal toothbrush, it may be wise to invest in an electric one instead. An electric toothbrush can reach and remove plaque better, and it will help to clean the gums gently so bacteria can be removed without causing harm to the delicate tissues.

Along with regular cleaning with your toothbrush, you will need to get in the crevices that sit between the dental crowns and the full artificial tooth in the middle. The artificial tooth is attached to the crowns on the sides. Usually, the connection occurs in the middle so the device looks as natural as possible. This leaves a small gap at the top and bottom of each crown where food can sit. You can use a device called an Interdental or interproximal toothbrush to do the cleaning. These types of toothbrushes are very thin, and they can be pushed through the openings around the dental crowns. Thin flossing tools can be used as well to clean around the dental bridge.

Cleaning the Middle Tooth

While the same practices with an electronic toothbrush and interproximal brushes can be used to clean around the middle part of the dental crown, you will also need to be worried about the bottom part of the device. The artificial tooth will sit very close to the gums on the bottom of the device where the natural tooth went missing. However, the fit will not be tight, because this would damage the gum tissues and cause sores. This means that a small gap will be seen just underneath the tooth. Food can work intp the opening. Flossers and other tools cannot be forced into the space though, due to the small size of the opening. You will instead need to use a water flosser to clean the area.

Use light or medium pressure when using the device, and hold the head of the flosser about one-eighth of an inch from the gum line. Also, make sure the head of the device is held straight so that water does not force debris into small gum pockets or other openings around the dental bridge. 

For more information, contact a local dental clinic like Rose City Dental Care. 

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