There’s good news for the 178 million Americans who are struggling with tooth loss: the negative impact on your bite, smile, and oral health doesn’t have to be permanent. With solutions like dental bridges, your dentist can seamlessly fill the gaps in your smile. While modern dental restorations can last for well over two decades with proper care, unhealthy dental habits can result in dental bridge failure in the short and long term. To learn a few “don’ts” of caring for dental bridges, keep reading.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Neglecting to brush and floss may not seem like a big deal at first. After all, isn’t it impossible for dental bridges to develop cavities? While that’s certainly true, your natural teeth, the teeth underneath the dental crowns, and your surrounding gums are still vulnerable to infection. To prevent dental bridge failure, it’s of the utmost importance that you implement a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen.
Insufficient Support
In short, your dental bridge needs adequate support. Otherwise, the uneven distribution of the pressure from chewing can quickly cause it to loosen or fall out. That’s why your dentist will dedicate a portion of the consultation to determining if you’re a good candidate. If dental bridges are a good fit for you, then they will discuss other tooth-replacement options, like dental implants.
Unhealthy Dental Habits
Smoking, nail-biting, and chewing on ice are just a few unhealthy dental habits that can wreak havoc on your oral health. While smoking can damage your gums, stain your teeth, and delay the healing process, nail-biting, chewing on ice, and the like can place immense pressure on your dental bridge, shortening its lifespan.
Absence of Professional Care
Whether you are missing one tooth or an entire arch of teeth, biannual checkups and cleanings are essential. These visits allow your dentist to periodically examine your mouth, consistently checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other serious concerns. Plus, the cleaning portion ensures plaque and tartar are thoroughly removed, helping reduce your chances of dental problems moving forward.
With a skillful dentist, modern dental technology, and top-tier materials, your dental bridge has the potential to last for several decades. Of course, keeping it in pristine condition rests heavily on your shoulders. So, make sure to avoid the above unhealthy habits to help prevent dental bridge failure!
About the Practice
Our team at University Dental Group proudly offers a wide range of treatment options for patients who are missing teeth, including dental bridges. Plus, we welcome flexible financing and offer evening hours throughout the week, which makes caring for your smile easier and more stress-free than ever. If you have a question about how to care for your dental bridge, then don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team via our website or by phone at (508) 753-1911.