Going to smile for a photo but not having a full set of teeth can make you feel insecure. Although image isn't everything, your smile certainly says a lot, and if you have missing teeth, it's worth getting them taken care of. Not only will fixing missing teeth help you feel more confident about posting pictures on social media, but it can also help preserve your smile and your jaw.
There are several things your dentist may recommend to help fix mixing teeth. If you have a gap between two teeth, your dentist may recommend what is called a dental bridge. A dental bridge essentially acts as a bridge between missing teeth and is anchored on either end to your natural teeth. There are several things that you can do to keep it lasting as long as possible.
Brush Twice a Day
When you have a set of artificial teeth like a dental bridge, you may think that it is optional to brush, but plaque can still build up on it and you can still get gum disease. If you want to keep your mouth in the best shape possible and you want to keep your dental bridge lasting for a long time, make sure that you are brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste. Also make sure that your toothbrush isn't so abrasive that it scratches your bridge or weakens it.
Watch What You Eat
Patients who have dental orthotics like dentures have to worry about what they eat because their dentures might move or become loose. However, when you have a dental bridge, it should be held in place well enough that it doesn't move when you eat things, but you should still be careful. Similar to your natural teeth, dental bridges are prone to chipping if you eat foods like ice or really hard candy. To avoid any chips or cracks, try to avoid these foods altogether.
Get Regular Exams
Regular dental exams are a great way to help keep your mouth shielded and protected. The American Dental Association encourages patients of all ages to get their teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. During your routine exam, your dentist will look at your dental bridge, make sure it's still in good shape, and clean around it to avoid any sort of plaque buildup.
If you want to learn more about dental bridges, reach out to a dentist in your area.
Share25 March 2020
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.