Are you one of the 178 million people in the U.S. who are struggling with tooth loss? The good news is that the gaps in your smile don’t have to be permanent. Dental bridges are one of the many tooth replacement solutions that can replace one tooth or several teeth in a row, restoring the look and function of your smile in the process. Plus, they can last for well over a decade with proper care! To learn the common causes of dental bridge failure (and how to prevent it), read on.
Poor Oral Hygiene
It’s true: dental bridges cannot develop decay. When patients hear this, they often assume that they can leave their oral hygiene regimen in the past. After all, why brush if you can’t get cavities, right? It’s important to remember, however, that your teeth and gums are still vulnerable to damage. The best way to keep your dental bridge and oral health in pristine condition is by implementing good oral hygiene best practices, like brushing twice a day and getting a dental cleaning every six months.
Bad Dental Habits
While dental bridges are crafted from durable materials, they aren’t indestructible. Smoking, chewing on ice, and nail-biting are just a few bad dental habits that can damage your restoration (and your teeth!). So, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Hard, Sticky, and Chewy Foods
Tooth loss can limit your diet, causing you to consume only soft foods like oatmeal, soup, and applesauce. The good news is that dental bridges can help rebuild your bite, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of meals once more. Of course, hard, sticky, and chewy foods should still be indulged in sparingly. While hard foods can potentially crack your restoration, sticky and chewy foods can tug on it, increasing the chances of it shifting out of place.
Cheap Materials
Your diet and oral hygiene habits certainly play a role in the condition of your dental bridge. However, there is another important factor to consider: the material it’s crafted from. In short, the cheaper the material, the more likely it is to fail. So, even if opting for a higher quality dental bridge is requires a higher upfront investment, it’s well worth it.
When it comes to caring for your smile, knowing what to do is just as important as knowing what not to do. If you want to learn more about the dos and don’ts of dental bridges, schedule an appointment with your dentist!
About the Practice
Named Best Dentist in Webster by WM Webster Magazine, Webster Lake Dental is proud to be a top-rated dental office in your area. With us, you’ll enjoy treatment from a caring team, convenient appointments, and flexible payment options. Plus, we offer multiple tooth-replacement solutions, including dental bridges and dentures. If you want to learn more about how we can address tooth loss, you have a question about how to care for your dental bridge, or you’d like to schedule an appointment, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 943-8111.