Dental crowns and bridges are essential restorations that allow you to retain the full force of your bite while protecting the rest of your natural teeth from damage. When it comes to preserving bridges and dental crowns, good oral hygiene is invaluable. But what does this mean for your daily hygiene habits?
Understanding Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns are restorations that go over a damaged tooth. They are appropriate for teeth that have cavities, cracks, or severe stains. The crown is crafted to match your natural teeth, though it can be made in a number of different materials depending on your budget, preference, and the location of the damaged tooth.
Puentes Dentales are devices that replace missing teeth. They can replace one tooth or an entire row of them. There are a few types of dental bridges, including implant-supported ones that are fixed directly into your jawbone. The type of bridge you get will depend on how many teeth you’re missing and many other factors.
Bridges and Dental Crowns: Good Oral Hygiene Tips
Getting dental crowns or bridges can require a few visits to your dentist’s office, so the last thing you need is for these restorations to suffer any kind of damage that would require even more visits. To help extend their lifespan, keep in mind the following bridges and dental crowns good oral hygiene tips.
Brush Your Teeth and Floss Twice Daily
Dental crowns and bridges require that you brush and floss as you would for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, but make sure to do so with a brush that is not abrasive. It’s always a good idea to stick to fluoride toothpaste to help maintain your remaining teeth as well.
You should floss once a day. It’s important to get as close to the gums as possible so that you remove all food particles that could attract bacteria and cause decay. If you have a bridge, use threaders beneath the restoration. They can reach any leftover food much more easily.
Antimicrobial Rinses Like Antibacterial Mouthwash and Fluoride Toothpaste
You can also turn to an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any lingering bacteria. If you’re not sure what type of rinse to rely on for the material your crowns are made of, ask your dentist about their recommendations.
Scheduling Regular Dental Check-Ups
When you have bridges and dental crowns, oral hygiene tips include scheduling regular appointments with your dentist. They will be able to spot any potential issues rapidly, preventing these issues from getting worse and compromising your oral health and the longevity of the restoration.
When to Contact a Dentist
Despite your best efforts, there are times when you need professional assistance. If you notice that the restoration doesn’t fit comfortably any longer, is looking very stained or otherwise damaged, or feels loose and like it could fall out, you will need more than just bridges and dental crowns good oral hygiene tips.
Watch for sensitivity to heat or cold and pain when you chew. These can all spell trouble with your restoration that needs to be addressed rapidly to preserve it and your oral health.
Keep an eye on your gums, too. If you notice that they bleed significantly when you’re brushing or flossing, or that the threaders you use under the bridge come out stained with blood, a dental appointment is necessary. The same is true if you notice a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
The sooner you reach out to your dentist, the faster you can receive the assistance you need to protect the bridge or crown. Sometimes, a simple fix, like recementing the crown, can be enough. Other times, however, it may be necessary to get a new restoration.
Schedule an Appointment With an Experienced Atlanta Dentist
If you have a dental bridge or crown, maintaining the restoration by following oral hygiene tips is essential. When all of your efforts still can’t address issues with the restorations, it is time to contact your dentist. With help from a professional, you can get the exact assistance you need.
At our location, Dr. Brett Langston provides the comprehensive services you deserve. From restorative dental options to prosthetic services like coronas dentales, you can receive everything you require at our clinic.
If you have noticed anything that is not quite right with your restoration, or if you would like to ensure any potential issues are caught early, it’s time to schedule a visit with our team. Contact Dr. Brett Langston to schedule an appointment.
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