If you have consecutive teeth missing, then you may be looking for ways to fill the gap. One reliable option that many people get is a dental bridge. These use a tooth on either side to keep it steady. Better yet, your results can last for up to 15 years with the proper care. As sturdy as they are, they can fail if you aren’t careful. Here are three culprits to ensure you do your best to avoid them.
1.) Poor Dental Hygiene
This is often a common reason for a bridge not reaching the end of its lifespan. The structures that support this restoration can be natural teeth or dental implants, but they can be attacked by bacteria in your mouth. Decay or an infection can put your full smile at risk, making the foundation unstable and causing discomfort.
The good news is that avoiding poor dental hygiene is simple! Just keep up with brushing and flossing twice a day to ensure you get rid of plaque that can cause trouble.
2.) Bad Oral Habits
Biting your nails, pens, ice, or even using your teeth as tools is bad for your grin. These habits may seem harmless enough, but they can cause excess strain. If you aren’t careful, one wrong move can lead to chips or cracks in your bridge or natural teeth.
Grinding and clenching your teeth can also be a problem. It often happens subconsciously during the night, but it also puts too much pressure on your smile. You can wear down your enamel faster, but your dentist can watch for other warning signs. Thankfully, a nightguard can help protect your oral health. You can also consider other things like fidget toys and meditation if stress is the cause.
3.) Skipping Checkups with Your Dentist
Last but not least, you should still keep up with visits to your dentist. Even if you have great oral hygiene and break bad dental habits, seeing your provider is an important step to take. They will be able to clean off hardened plaque that can’t be removed with regular brushing. You will also give them a chance to monitor changes to your oral health and bridge.
If there are any red flags, then they can walk you through the next steps to get rid of them. That way, you feel confident knowing you are protecting your investment in your smile and keeping it strong for longer.
About the Author
Dr. Tarangini Suggala earned her first dental degree in India and her second from The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. She is dedicated to helping the Carrollton community get the full grins they deserve with reliable replacement options like bridges. By customizing your results, you can trust that they look great and support your oral health. If you want to see if this option is right for you, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Suggala’s office at (972) 446-1111.