Even though your new dental bridge is made from materials that will not succumb to the effects of tooth decay, it can still be threatened by gum disease. When plaque and residual food particles are not effectively cleaned away from your teeth and gumline, they can harden into tartar. Tartar at the gumline is the leading cause of periodontal disease.
Your new bridge is anchored in place by a pair of abutments that are formed from the healthy cores of the two closest neighboring teeth. Chronic gum disease issues can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth, forming pockets of infection near the roots of the abutments. At the same time, the presence of pervasive bacteria can slowly compromise the seam where your bridge is cemented to one or both of the abutments.
Brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once each evening helps remove residual food particles and plaque before they can harden into tartar. If you’re having trouble cleaning in and around the bridge, you might want to try using an interdental brush, a floss threader with waxy floss or a dental water jet.
Your twice-annual dental checkup with Dr. Jay Stucky will clean away any residual tartar and also monitor the integrity of the bridge.
If you have questions or concerns about how to adequately clean and maintain your dental bridge in Hutchinson, Kansas, you can always call Hutchinson Family Dental at 620-663-9119 to talk to your dentist, Dr. Jay Stucky.