Maintaining good oral health is crucial for everyone, and this becomes even more important if you have dental bridges or dentures. These dental prosthetics are designed to restore function and appearance, but they require proper care to ensure their longevity and your overall oral health. In this blog, we’ll explore how to care for both dental bridges and dentures, providing you with practical tips to keep your smile looking great and feeling comfortable.

Understanding Dental Bridges and Dentures

• Dental Bridges: These are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a false tooth (pontic) anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges can be fixed or removable, but the care required for both types is similar.
• Dentures: These are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They come in two main types: complete dentures, which replace all teeth in an arch, and partial dentures, which replace a few missing teeth and are attached to remaining natural teeth.

Daily Care for Dental Bridges

1. Brush and Floss Regularly: Just like natural teeth, dental bridges need to be cleaned daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to clean the bridge and the surrounding teeth. For flossing, use floss threaders or special floss designed for bridges to reach under the pontic and remove food particles and plaque. This helps prevent gum disease and decay around the bridge.

2. Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and prevent bad breath. Look for a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to avoid drying out your mouth.

3. Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and examinations. Your dentist will check the fit of your bridge, the health of your surrounding teeth and gums, and make adjustments if needed.

4. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage your bridge or dislodge it. Be cautious with foods like popcorn, chewing gum, and caramel.

Daily Care for Dentures

1. Clean Dentures Daily: Remove your dentures and clean them thoroughly with a denture brush and denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive for dentures. Brush them over a basin of water or a towel to prevent damage if they slip.

2. Soak Dentures Overnight: Soaking dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution helps remove stains and keep them hydrated. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the dentures.

3. Brush Your Mouth: While dentures are out, brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft toothbrush. This helps maintain oral health and stimulates blood flow to your gums, which can improve the fit of your dentures.

4. Avoid Hot Foods and Beverages: Hot foods and drinks can cause dentures to warp. Let hot foods cool down before eating.

5. Handle Dentures with Care: Dentures can be delicate. When cleaning or handling them, be gentle to avoid cracks or breaks. Store them in a safe place when not in use.

Additional Tips for Both Bridges and Dentures

1. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration helps maintain the moisture of your mouth and aids in the comfort and fit of dentures. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

2. Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye out for any changes in fit or discomfort. Changes in the way your bridge or dentures fit can indicate underlying issues, such as bone loss or changes in gum health. Report any concerns to your dentist promptly.

3. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your oral health and the longevity of your dental prosthetics. These habits can lead to gum disease and can affect the fit and appearance of your dental appliances.

4. Consider a Dental Adhesive: For added security, especially with dentures, you may use a dental adhesive. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for choosing and applying an adhesive to ensure it is used properly and does not cause irritation.

Medical Arts Dentistry Is Your Dental Care Provider

Proper care for dental bridges and dentures is essential for maintaining oral health and ensuring the longevity of these dental prosthetics. By following these daily and ongoing care tips, you can keep your bridges and dentures in good condition, enjoy a comfortable fit, and maintain a healthy smile. Regular dental visits and vigilant maintenance are key to achieving the best results and preserving your oral health.

At Medical Arts Dentistry, we are dedicated to the long-term dental health of Garden City, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding Savannah communities. We offer family dentistry for children and seniors, athletic mouthguards, dental sleep medicine, as well as treatments for TMJ and orofacial pain. If you’re ready for a regular check-up and professional cleaning, or a consultation about our other cosmetic dentistry options or dental restoration treatments, call 912-355-0605 for our Savannah location and 912-921-0401 for our Georgetown location.