Keep Your Dental Bridge in Top Shape with Proper Maintenance
Dental bridges
are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth—but only if they’re properly cared for. If you’re one of the many patients in Ashland, OR or nearby areas like Talent, Medford, or Phoenix who rely on a bridge to restore your smile, knowing how to maintain it is key to avoiding future dental issues. Dr. James Burneson—our trusted Ashland, OR dentist at Today’s Dentistry—shares quality tips on how to keep your bridge clean, strong, and looking great for years to come. To learn more about how to properly care for your dental bridge, contact our Ashland dental office by calling (541) 482-7771.
Why Patients Love Today’s Dentistry
At Today’s Dentistry, we’re a team dedicated to helping you smile confidently for life. Led by Dr. James Burneson, we serve Ashland and surrounding communities like Talent, Medford, and Jacksonville with advanced care and a compassionate touch.
We make it easy to keep up with your oral health by offering:
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Comfortable, anxiety-free visits
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Personalized hygiene tips tailored to your dental bridge
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Flexible scheduling and easy communication
Whether you’re new to bridges or need a maintenance check-up, Dr. Burneson is the best dentist in Ashland, OR for supportive, long-lasting care.
Why Dental Bridge Maintenance Matters
Dental bridges aren’t just cosmetic—they play a vital role in chewing, speaking, and preventing your natural teeth from shifting. But unlike your natural teeth, they can’t heal or protect themselves from plaque or gum disease. That’s why consistent cleaning and regular dental checkups are essential. Without proper care, you risk issues like:
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Gum disease and inflammation around the bridge
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Decay of supporting teeth
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Bad breath
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Shortened lifespan of the bridge
Fortunately, with a good routine and professional guidance from the best dentist near you, you can enjoy years of confident, healthy smiles.
Daily Care Tips for Your Dental Bridge
Brush Gently but Thoroughly
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush at least twice a day. Pay extra attention to the area around your bridge and the gumline to prevent plaque buildup. Electric toothbrushes can also be helpful for consistent pressure and thorough cleaning.
Floss with Special Tools
It’s important to clean under your bridge. Since traditional floss won’t work well, try using:
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Floss threaders
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Interdental brushes
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Water flossers
These tools help clean between your bridge and gumline, reducing the risk of inflammation or decay around the anchor teeth.
Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash
An alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria and keep your gums healthy. It’s especially helpful for hard-to-reach areas under and around your bridge.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Chewing on hard items like ice or biting into sticky candies can weaken or dislodge your bridge. Stick to bridge-friendly foods that won’t stress your restoration.
Stay on Top of Your Dental Visits
One of the best ways to protect your dental bridge is by keeping up with your routine cleanings and exams. At Today’s Dentistry, we recommend seeing Dr. Burneson at least twice a year. Your Ashland dentist will:
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Check the stability and condition of your bridge
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Clean areas you can’t reach at home
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Monitor the health of surrounding teeth and gums
Regular visits to the top dentist in Ashland, OR can help spot small problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Regular monitoring of your dental bridges is crucial to identify signs of wear and tear early on. Common indications that your dental bridge may require attention include:
- Loose or shifting bridge: If your dental bridge feels loose or shifts when you bite or chew, it may indicate that the cement holding it in place has worn off or that there’s an issue with the underlying teeth or implants.
- Discomfort or pain: Sensitivity, pain, or discomfort while eating or biting down can be a sign of a problem with your dental bridge. It could be due to an ill-fitting bridge, decay underneath the bridge, or gum inflammation.
- Visible damage: Inspect your dental bridge for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or fractures. Damaged areas can harbor bacteria and lead to further complications if left untreated.
- Gum inflammation: If you notice redness, swelling, or bleeding around the gum area adjacent to the dental bridge, it may indicate gum disease or an infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent further damage to your bridge and oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s essential to clean under and around your dental bridge every day. Just like with natural teeth, bacteria and food particles can accumulate around the bridge, leading to gum disease or tooth decay in the adjacent teeth. Using specialized floss, such as super floss or a floss threader, can help you effectively clean these areas.
Yes, you can use a regular toothbrush to clean your dental bridge. However, consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface of the bridge. Some people also find an electric toothbrush effective in maintaining oral hygiene when they have dental restorations.
Dental bridges, especially those made from porcelain, can resist stains better than natural teeth. However, the bonding agents or the cement used to attach the bridge can discolor over time. It’s a good idea to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consuming staining foods or beverages to minimize the risk.
Keep Your Smile Strong with Visits to Our Ashland, OR Dental Office
Caring for your dental bridge isn’t difficult, but it does take consistency—and the right dental partner. At Today’s Dentistry, Dr. James Burneson is proud to offer advanced care and support for patients throughout Ashland, Talent, Medford, and Phoenix, OR. If you want expert guidance and compassionate care from one of the best dentists in Ashland, OR, schedule your next visit today.
Ready to protect your investment? Contact Today’s Dentistry by calling (541) 482-7771 to schedule a consultation with our Ashland, OR dentist—your smile will thank you!