Dental bridges and dentures stand as a testament to modern dentistry’s innovations, offering solutions for missing teeth and restoring smiles and confidence. Like any other dental prosthetic, they require meticulous care for longevity and functionality. At Birch Point Dental Clinic in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Sanket Upadhyay breaks down the ins and outs of keeping these dental saviors in top shape.
Dental Bridges: The Maintenance Guide
In dental terms, a bridge is used to close (or bridge) the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Here’s how you keep them in pristine condition:
- Regular Cleaning: Though bridges might be artificial, the surrounding teeth aren’t. Brush and floss daily. Consider investing in specialized flossers designed for bridges.
- Avoiding Hard Foods: While dental bridges are sturdy, they aren’t invincible. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, which can damage them.
- Routine Dental Check-ups: Even if everything feels fine, regular visits to the dentist will help identify and mitigate any potential issues early on.
Dentures: The Care Chronicles
Dentures, be it partial or complete, need a slightly different care regime.
- Daily Cleaning: Unlike natural teeth, dentures aren’t at risk of cavities. However, food particles and plaque can still build up. Clean them daily but avoid regular toothpaste, which might be too abrasive. Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Soak Overnight: Most dentures require moisture to retain their shape. Place them in a mild denture-soaking solution or water overnight. But always check with your dentist about the best soaking solutions.
- Handle with Care: Dentures are delicate. When cleaning, place a towel on the counter or fill the sink with water. This ensures if you drop them, the fall isn’t catastrophic.
- Regular Oral Hygiene: Even if you have full dentures, your mouth still requires care. Brush your gums, tongue, and palate daily with a soft-bristled brush before inserting your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and assists in removing plaque.
- Scheduled Dentist Visits: Your mouth’s shape changes over time. This might cause dentures to become loose, leading to mouth sores or infections. Regular dentist visits ensure they fit as they should and any necessary adjustments are made.
Potential Issues and Solutions
Like all dental solutions, bridges and dentures might sometimes present challenges:
- Discomfort or Irritation: Initially, it’s not uncommon to experience this. But if it persists, see your dentist.
- Eating Challenges: Start with soft foods cut into tiny pieces. Chew slowly. As you become accustomed, reintroduce other foods.
- Speaking Difficulties: If your dentures ‘click’ while you’re talking, inform your dentist.
Remember, any significant discomfort isn’t standard. It’s your body’s way of signaling something’s amiss. Don’t ignore it.
Taking the Next Step
Bridges and dentures are fantastic tools in a dentist’s arsenal to ensure you keep smiling confidently. However, like any tool, their efficiency is closely linked to their upkeep. The steps mentioned above aren’t cumbersome but are essential.
Championing Your Dental Health
Navigating the world of dental prosthetics can seem daunting, but it needn’t be. Your roadmap to optimal dental health lies with informed decisions and partnerships with professionals who care. Dr. Sanket Upadhyay and the team at Birch Point Dental Clinic in Thunder Bay are committed to this journey with you. Dial (807) 698-8838 now and take control of your dental destiny.
Sources
- American Dental Association. “Cleaning Your Dentures.” ada.org.
- Colgate. “Caring for Dental Bridges.” Colgate.com.
- WebMD. “Dental Health and Bridges.” WebMD.com.
