Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?

Dental bridges are an excellent tooth replacement option for many patients. They provide the appearance of natural teeth as well as the ability to eat and speak normally. However, they do require daily care if you want them to last. The good news is that they cannot develop cavities in the same way that natural teeth can, but the bad news is that there are many other things that can go wrong if you aren’t practicing good dental hygiene. Here are a few things that you can prevent by brushing twice per day and flossing once daily. But can dental bridges get cavities?

Gum Disease

When you get your dental bridges in Arcadia not be anchored into your gums, but that doesn’t mean your gums don’t need daily care. By using a soft-bristled brush you can gently brush your gums at a 45-degree angle to help dislodge bacteria and food fragments that could be trapped underneath your dental bridge.

If you don’t care for the gums beneath and around your dental bridge, they can still become infected. The infection will cause inflammation. Without treatment, the gum could eventually form an abscess. This condition can be painful and potentially dangerous. As a result, it is important to floss regularly.

Adjacent Tooth Decay

The dental bridge itself cannot be infected, but the teeth that anchor the bridge can be infected. This includes natural teeth and those that have been crowned for additional support. Without proper care, bacteria can work into the gum and into the natural tooth even when it’s protected by a crown. The unfortunate truth is that this decay can be hard to detect without regular dental screenings.

In order to prevent adjacent tooth decay, you should brush and floss normally. You should also use a floss threader to clean underneath the dental bridge. That should prevent any serious issues, but seeing your dentist every six months is the ultimate safeguard.

A Loose Dental Bridge

As long as your dental bridge is properly fitted, it should feel pretty natural after the first few days. If you want to keep it that way, you will need to listen to your dentist’s recommendations in regard to care and food guidelines. That typically includes hard and sticky foods. Patients with dental bridges should also avoid high acid, corrosive food and drink to protect the longevity of their dental bridge.

If the concrete or other important components become damaged, then your dental bridge could become loose and cause further damage. As with all other common forms of dental bridge damage, regular visits to your dentist can act as a safeguard. However, it is possible for a break to occur suddenly. In these cases, you should contact your emergency dentist for help.

By flossing once per day, brushing twice per day, and going to the premier dentist in Arcadia every six months, you can give your dental bridge the best possible chance of success. Generally speaking it is the same level of care required to take care of your normal teeth. However, if you’re concerned that dental bridges may not be right for you, you can always discuss partial dentures and dental implants as alternative options.

In all three cases, you will have realistic-looking teeth that allow you to smile, speak, and eat properly. Each option has its own pros and cons, so discuss them carefully with your dentist at Premier Dental Esthetics. Together, you can decide which option works best given your current oral health and overall lifestyle.