A dental bridge can help you restore your smile and confidence, but it requires some maintenance. Poor cosmetic dental care can damage the surrounding teeth and gums, leading to infection. That’s why the team at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage takes the time to educate patients about the importance of proper care. Dental bridges can affect your oral health if not taken care of and eventually become more harmful than they are helpful.

A dental bridge is meant to fit perfectly in your mouth so you can eat comfortably, speak clearly, and enjoy a natural smile. Following these tips can help you keep your bridge in the best possible condition:

• Eat a Healthy Diet: The parts of your dental bridge are just as susceptible to damage as your natural teeth. Acidic foods, extreme temperatures, and hard textures can wear down the dental bridge, causing it to fit incorrectly and encourage other problems. Dental bridges aren’t designed to last forever, but avoiding acidic and hard foods can increase its effectiveness and longevity.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Since dental bridges rest on top of your gums, they require special cleaning techniques. Food particles and bacteria can get caught under the bridge, so you need to pay attention when brushing and flossing in the area. Tarter can develop near the bridge, causing pain and eventually gum disease if untreated. Maintaining your cosmetic dental care habits keeps your dental bridge clean and protects the surrounding tissue.
• Regularly Check Your Fit: Most dental bridge issues stem from a poor fit. A bad fit can cause pain, gum recession, and tooth decay. Ask your dentist to ensure your dental bridge fits correctly. If it doesn’t, the surrounding teeth may shift and you may experience gum pain, leading to costly corrective procedures. If your bridge begins to loosen or feel uncomfortable, call your oral surgeon to schedule a refitting.

Whether you’ve undergone a teeth extraction or lost teeth due to illness or injury, Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska can create a comfortable, natural-looking dental bridge. The team specializes in a wide range of restoration solutions and cosmetic dental care services to keep your smile beautiful and healthy. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about the practice.