While your new bridge is composed of artificial materials that are not vulnerable to tooth decay, it will none-the-less require daily attention in your oral hygiene routine. Gum disease and the pervasive bacteria associated with it, still poses a very serious threat to the long term integrity of your bridge.
If plaque and residual food particles are not effectively cleaned away from your teeth and gum line, they can harden into tartar. Tartar at the gum line is the leading cause of gum inflammation and gum disease.
In time, gum disease will cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth, forming pockets of infection near the roots of abutments that anchor your bridge in place. At the same time the presence of pervasive bacteria can slowly compromise seam where your bridge is cemented to one or both of the abutments.
Brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as your new bridge, twice each day, helps to remove residual food particles and plaque before they 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.
If you have questions about how to clean your bridge, you can call Hector G. Menendez, DMD at 732-937-9595 to schedule an appointment.