Dental bridges replace a small number of missing teeth that have caused a gap between the remaining teeth. After patients have placement of fixed Dental Bridges in Olympia WA, it’s imperative they & take good care of their teeth to prevent problems. Carefully brushing and flossing around the device as recommended will prevent failure of the bridge along with further inconvenience and expense.
Brushing for Two Minutes
Abutments for these artificial teeth are connected to the adjacent teeth. The patient can develop tooth decay in this area if the teeth are not kept clean, especially near the gum line. Brushing for at least two minutes twice a day is recommended for everyone with natural teeth, and a person with a fixed bridge should pay a little extra attention to that part of the mouth.
Strategies for Timekeeping
It’s doubtful that most people spend a full four minutes or longer on brushing their teeth each day. A person with one or more Dental Bridges in Olympia WA can develop specific strategies to make sure this happens. Keeping an eye on a digital clock to see when two minutes are up is the easiest way, but that’s pretty boring. Watching TV or listening to a song for two minutes is a possibility.
Using Floss Threaders
Since a fixed bridge is adhered to the adjacent teeth, flossing between the two with ordinary floss cannot be done. Floss threaders are available for the purpose of reaching the space between the bridge and the teeth and gums. That removes tiny food particles that get stuck there and prevents the development of tartar.
Routine Dental Appointments
Seeing a dentist with a clinic such as Family Dental and Dentures every six months is also important. A hygienist clears away any tartar buildup that tends to accumulate even when people have excellent brushing and flossing habits. The dentist makes sure no problems are occurring that should be addressed.
At some point, the patient may be ready to have dental implants installed to replace the bridges, which can be done at the same clinic. Most patients are good candidates for this procedure.
