5 Tips for Maintaining the Quality of Your Dental Bridge or Crown
Crowns and bridges are investments in a healthier, more uniform smile. To preserve their condition and functionality, incorporate proper care into your daily routine. By doing so, you may reduce the risk of complications and extend the lifespan of your dental work, thereby maintaining the integrity of your smile. Here are some practical tips to help you take care of your dental bridges and crowns:
1. Brush and Floss Daily
Good oral hygiene practices start with consistent brushing and flossing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day, paying special attention to the area around the bridge or crown. Soft bristles are gentle on dental work while still removing plaque. When flossing, use special tools like floss threaders or brushes designed to clean beneath and around a bridge.
These tools help remove debris in hard-to-reach areas where bacteria could accumulate. Failing to floss can lead to plaque buildup, which may result in gum disease or tooth decay. A few extra minutes in your hygiene routine are worth it to maintain the structure and appearance of your dental work.
2. Avoid Excessive Sugary Foods
The sugary and acidic foods in your diet directly influence the health of your bridges or crowns. Drinks like soda and fruit juices, along with sugary snacks, contribute to plaque formation, which weakens the teeth supporting your dental work. Additionally, acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, slowly erode the enamel and the bond between your natural teeth and the crown or bridge.
3. Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine is a great way to keep your mouth clean and fresh. These mouthwashes help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that accumulate around bridges and crowns. Removing bacteria protects your gums and reduces the risk of inflammation or infections.
Choose a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol, as alcohol-based products may dry out your mouth. A dry mouth provides bacteria with an optimal environment to thrive. Rinsing daily provides an extra layer of protection and helps maintain a healthy oral environment.
4. Quit or Reduce Smoking
Smoking poses significant risks to your dental health. Tobacco use stains crowns and bridges over time, which impacts their appearance. Beyond staining, smoking also increases your risk of gum disease, a serious condition that may weaken the support structures holding your dental work in place.
Quitting smoking improves oral health while benefiting your overall well-being. If you find this a challenging habit to break, try consulting your dentist or healthcare provider for resources to help you quit. Keeping your bridges and crowns clean and strong is another motivation to make this change.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Visits to the dentist shouldn’t end once your bridges or crowns are in place. Scheduling routine checkups allows your dentist to monitor the condition of your dental work. Any potential issues are identified and addressed early. Your dentist will also perform professional cleanings to remove tartar and polish your teeth, which contributes to their overall maintenance.
Visit a Dentist for Crowns and Bridges
Caring for your dental bridges and crowns involves incorporating a few basic habits into your daily life. Brushing and flossing correctly, maintaining a balanced diet, and scheduling regular dental visits are ways to improve dental health. Take charge of your oral care routine today, and schedule an appointment with a dentist to learn more about care for crowns and bridges.
