Your dental bridge is designed to replace a tooth that was lost to untreated decay, damage or extraction. While it is made of artificial materials that will not be affected by tooth decay, it will still require daily oral hygiene care. If food particles and plaque harden into tartar at the gumline, your bridge can be adversely affected by gum disease.
Your new bridge is anchored in place by a pair of abutments that are formed from the healthy cores of the two closest neighboring teeth. Chronic gum disease issues can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth, forming pockets of infection near the roots of the abutments. At the same time, the presence of pervasive bacteria can slowly compromise the seam where your bridge is cemented onto the abutments.
Brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once each evening helps remove residual food particles and plaque before they can harden into tartar. If you’re having trouble cleaning in and around the bridge, you might want to try using an interdental brush, a floss threader with waxy floss or a dental water jet.
Your twice-annual dental checkup at Cardwell Family Dentistry will clean away any residual tartar while also monitoring the integrity of the bridge.
If you have questions about how to adequately clean and maintain your dental bridge in Sylva, North Carolina, you can always call 828-631-3567 to speak to a member of our staff.