While your new bridge, is composed of artificial materials that are not vulnerable to tooth decay, it will none-the-less require daily attention in your oral hygiene routine. The gum infection and bacterial presence of periodontal disease can still pose a very serious threat to the long term integrity of your bridge.
If residual food particles and plaque are not effectively cleaned away from your teeth and gum line, they can harden into tartar. Tartar at the gum line is the leading cause of periodontal disease.
Advanced periodontal disease will cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth, forming pockets of infection near the roots of abutments that anchor your bridge in place. At the same time the presence of pervasive bacteria can slowly compromise seam where your bridge is cemented to one or both of the abutments.
Including your bridge when you brush and floss your teeth twice each day, helps to remove residual food particles and plaque, preventing tartar. If you’re having trouble cleaning in and around the bridge you might want to try using an interdental brush, a floss threaded with waxy floss or a dental water jet.
If you have questions or concerns about the best way to clean and maintain your bridge, you can always call Dr. Rai’s office at 540-446-5083 so we can answer all your oral needs.