How to Clean Under a Dental Bridge

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for everyone, but it becomes even more important when you have dental restorations like bridges. Cleaning under a dental bridge can be a challenging task, yet it is essential to prevent gum disease and decay around the supporting teeth. 

In this blog, we will explore the best practices for keeping your dental bridge clean and your smile bright. With a little guidance and the right tools, you can ensure that your dental bridge remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Understanding Your Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth. To effectively clean under your dental bridge, it's important to understand its structure:

• Abutment Teeth: These are the support teeth on either side of the bridge, which support it and hold it in place.
• Pontic: This is the false tooth that fills the gap. It’s attached to the abutment teeth, but still rests on top of your gums.

Knowing these components will help you target your cleaning efforts where they are most needed, ensuring that plaque and debris are effectively removed from under and around the bridge.

Tools for Cleaning Under a Dental Bridge

To clean under a dental bridge properly, you'll need a few specialized tools that can reach those hard-to-access areas. Consider adding the following to your dental hygiene routine:

• Interdental Brushes: These small brushes can fit into tight spaces and help remove plaque.
• Floss Threaders: These are essential for guiding dental floss underneath the bridge.
• Water Flossers: A water flosser can effectively clean around the bridge and massage the gums.

Using these tools regularly will help maintain the health of your gums and the longevity of your dental bridge.

Your Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide 

Now that you have the tools, here's a step-by-step guide to effectively clean under your dental bridge:

• Step 1: Use a floss threader to insert dental floss under the bridge. Gently move the floss back and forth to remove plaque.
• Step 2: Follow up with an interdental brush to further clean the gap between the teeth and your bridge.
• Step 3: Use a water flosser to rinse away any remaining debris and to stimulate the gums.

You should also brush your teeth and bridge twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. You can brush either before or after cleaning underneath your bridge. The order is up to you!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cleaning under a dental bridge, there are common mistakes that can compromise your oral hygiene efforts:

• Neglecting Daily Cleaning: Skipping daily cleaning can lead to the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria, which leads to a higher risk of gum disease.
• Using the Wrong Tools: Not using specialized tools can make it difficult to clean effectively.
• Being Too Aggressive: Using too much force can damage your gums and the bridge.

Avoid these pitfalls by sticking to a consistent cleaning routine and using the appropriate tools.

Book Your Appointment with Monsoon Dental in Tucson

Keeping your dental bridge clean is essential for maintaining your oral health, and regular check-ups play a vital role in this process. At Monsoon Dental in Tucson, Dr. Bradley Konecnik and our dedicated team are here to help you with all your dental needs. Whether you need a routine cleaning or have questions about your dental bridge, we invite you to schedule an appointment. Call us today at (520) 441-2505 and take the next step towards a healthier smile!