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Posted on 1/30/2019 by Brian Rounds, DDS |
 Daily flossing is an important part of any oral hygiene routine, and that doesn't change when you have a bridge. However, you may need to change how you approach flossing with these types of restorations. How to Floss Around Your Dental BridgeA bridge consists of at least three crowns that are attached together, and it is then cemented between at least two supporting teeth. The false tooth sits between the two anchors, and floss can be used as normal at these ends of the bridge. The contacts between the anchors and the neighboring teeth are not fused, so floss can slip between them without issue.The false tooth in the center of the tooth is fused to the end pieces, so floss cannot fit in between. Instead, you'll want to floss under the bridge, and this can be achieved with a floss threader. A floss threader uses the same concept as a needle and thread, with the floss threaded into the tool. Then, the threader and floss can be guided between the gums and bridge before flossing the space like normal. The Importance of FlossingSome people believe that because a bridge is an artificial restoration, dental care is not required. This simply isn't true, as you'll still need to ensure the gums and supporting structures remain healthy.Bacteria can easily accumulate under the bridge, and those bacteria produce acids that attack the gums and remaining teeth. Gum disease can advance quickly, leaving you with red and inflamed gums, and research has found that the disease is connected to overall health issues like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. If you have a dental bridge, regular dental appointments are also important to ensure your mouth and appliance stay healthy. Give us a call today to set up your next dental cleaning. |
