2 Tips to Keep Your Cantilever Bridge Free of Bacteria Buildup
Posted on: 2 November 2016
If you have lost teeth due to tooth decay, then maintaining your oral hygiene while wearing a cantilever bridge is even more important. The bridge makes it more difficult to access the areas that are between your teeth and the bridge. This makes it easy for bacteria to develop along these areas if you are not careful with your oral care. Often these bacteria may only be detected after the tooth has been infected. In order to prevent these issues, there are a few tips that you need to add to your oral-care routine when wearing a cantilever bridge.
Stay Away from Eating Foods That Are Sticky
Eating foods that are sticky or chewy while wearing a cantilever bridge can make the bridge difficult to clean. Sticky substances attach themselves to the surface of your teeth and in hard-to-reach areas. In many cases, these foods are not removed properly because they are either too difficult to see or are hard to remove. Therefore, they remain on your bridge and only attract more bacteria buildup the longer they are left untouched. The easiest way to avoid this is to avoid eating sticky foods while you have a cantilever bridge installed. Instead, stick to foods that are simple and easy to chew.
Always Use an Antibacterial Before Going to Bed
It can be difficult to access all of the areas between your natural teeth and keep them clean. This task becomes even more difficult when you get a dental bridge installed. A lot of the bacteria are found between your gum line and where the cantilever bridge meets your natural teeth. This bacteria is often hard to remove by just brushing your teeth. In these instances, it is a good idea to use an antibacterial rinse on a regular basis. An antibacterial rinse attacks all of the bacteria that are caught between your bridge and that you are unable to see. It is important to use the antibacterial rinse before going to bed. During the night is when you are more susceptible to developing bacteria growth since you are sleeping for hours. Therefore, any remaining bacteria should be removed beforehand.
Bacteria buildup can cause your cantilever bridge to eventually fail. This is costly and frustrating to fix. Therefore, use these tips to make sure that you are able to get control of any bacteria buildup before the problem grows. Make an appointment with a provider such as Crest Hill Family Dental to get more personalized tips.
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