Caring for Dental Bridges and Dentures: Expert Tips from Danforth Dental Solutions

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental bridges and dentures are two of the most reliable solutions available today. Both options restore function and appearance, allowing you to speak, chew, and smile confidently. However, to maintain their longevity and ensure they function properly, caring for dental bridges and dentures requires specific routines and considerations.

At Danforth Dental Solutions in Toronto, Dr. Claudia Wood provides customized care and guidance to patients with dental restorations. This blog outlines essential steps to properly maintain your bridges and dentures, helping you keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Understanding Dental Bridges and Dentures

Before diving into care tips, it’s helpful to understand what these dental appliances are and how they function.

Dental Bridges: A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges are typically used to replace a few missing teeth and rely on the strength of surrounding teeth or dental implants for stability.
Dentures: Dentures can be either full (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing several teeth). They are removable appliances made of acrylic, metal, or both, and are custom-fitted to your mouth.

While both restorations are highly durable, improper care can lead to issues like wear, gum irritation, and even damage to the appliances themselves. Let’s explore how to keep them in top condition.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Bridges and Dentures

Just like natural teeth, dental bridges and dentures require daily cleaning to prevent plaque buildup, staining, and the risk of gum disease.

Cleaning Dental Bridges

Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your bridge, paying special attention to areas around the crowns and pontics (the artificial teeth in the bridge). These areas can trap food particles and plaque.
Flossing: Flossing around your bridge is essential. You can use a floss threader or a special dental floss designed for bridges to clean underneath the pontic and between the supporting teeth. This helps remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas.
Interdental Brushes: For even better cleaning, consider using an interdental brush, which can reach areas under the bridge more easily than regular floss.
Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce the buildup of bacteria around your bridge, keeping your gums healthy and your breath fresh.

Cleaning Dentures

Rinse After Eating: After each meal, remove your dentures and rinse them to clear away any food particles. This simple step prevents bacteria buildup and staining.
Brush Daily: Dentures should be brushed daily using a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to clean all surfaces of the denture, including the parts that contact your gums and roof of your mouth.
Soak Overnight: Most dentures need to stay moist to retain their shape. Soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water overnight. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.
Handle with Care: When cleaning your dentures, be mindful of their fragility. Dropping them can cause cracks or other damage. Clean them over a towel or basin of water to reduce the risk of breakage if they slip from your hands.

Special Care for Removable and Fixed Bridges

Depending on the type of bridge you have, care can differ slightly:

Removable Bridges: These are more similar to dentures and should be cleaned after meals and soaked overnight to maintain their shape and cleanliness.
Fixed Bridges: These are permanently attached to adjacent teeth or implants. They require careful brushing and flossing, as you cannot remove them for cleaning. Regular dental checkups with Dr. Wood are essential to monitor the health of both your bridge and surrounding teeth.

Protecting Your Dental Restorations

In addition to daily cleaning, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your dental bridges and dentures from damage:

Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Hard foods like nuts and candies can crack or dislodge dental bridges, while sticky foods like caramel can pull on the appliance. Be mindful of your diet and avoid anything that could compromise the integrity of your restoration.
Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), wearing a night guard can protect both your natural teeth and your bridge or dentures from damage.
Regular Dental Checkups: It’s essential to maintain regular checkups with Dr. Wood at Danforth Dental Solutions. She will examine your bridges or dentures, check the health of your gums, and ensure the fit remains comfortable. Adjustments or repairs may be necessary over time, especially for dentures.
Manage Dry Mouth: Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth moist and reducing the growth of bacteria. If you suffer from dry mouth, which is common in denture wearers, Dr. Wood can recommend solutions like oral rinses to increase moisture levels.

Recognizing When It’s Time for Repairs or Replacement

Dental bridges and dentures are long-lasting but not permanent. Over time, they may need to be repaired or replaced due to wear and tear, gum changes, or accidental damage. Here are signs it may be time for an adjustment:

Sores or Irritation: If your dentures or bridge begin to cause discomfort, soreness, or irritation, this may indicate that they no longer fit properly.
Loose Fit: A loose dental bridge or denture can lead to gum irritation, speech difficulties, and issues with chewing. If your restoration feels unstable, it’s time to visit Dr. Wood for an adjustment.
Cracks or Breaks: Visible damage to your dentures or bridge, such as cracks or chips, should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Ignoring these signs can lead to infections, gum disease, and even bone loss in the case of untreated issues with dental bridges.

Healthy Habits for Long-Lasting Results

Good oral hygiene and consistent care will help you enjoy the full benefits of your dental bridge or dentures for many years. However, it’s equally important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that support the longevity of your restorations.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to cleanse your mouth and prevent dry mouth, a condition that can cause discomfort for denture wearers.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can stain both natural teeth and dentures, while also increasing the risk of gum disease. Quitting smoking promotes better oral and overall health.
Monitor Your Oral Health: Keep an eye out for any changes in your mouth, such as redness, swelling, or white patches. These could be signs of gum disease or an infection, and they should be addressed promptly.

Moving Forward with Confidence: Your Smile, Your Care

Caring for your dental bridges or dentures is more than just a daily routine—it’s an investment in your oral health and overall well-being. At Danforth Dental Solutions, Dr. Claudia Wood and her team are committed to providing ongoing support to help you maintain your dental restorations. Whether it’s cleaning techniques, regular checkups, or addressing repairs, taking the right steps today ensures you can enjoy your smile with confidence for years to come.

Sources:

Goodacre, C. J., Bernal, G., Rungcharassaeng, K., & Kan, J. Y. (2003). Clinical complications in fixed prosthodontics. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
Douglass, C. W., Shih, A., & Ostry, L. (2002). Will there be a need for complete dentures in the United States in 2020? Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
Zitzmann, N. U., & Hagmann, E. (2008). Diagnostic outcomes of dental implants and conventional prostheses in the edentulous patient: A systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.