How to Care for Your New Teeth: Tips for Maintaining Implants and Bridges

Investing in dental implants or bridges is a big step toward restoring your smile and dental function. Whether you’ve chosen dental implants for their durability or a bridge for its less invasive approach, proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of these dental solutions. In this post, we’ll explore how to care for your new teeth and maintain your implants and bridges to keep them functioning and looking great for years to come.

1. Brush Regularly and Gently

Just like your natural teeth, dental implants and bridges need to be brushed regularly to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your implants and bridges at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps remove food particles and plaque that could lead to infection or damage.

Tips for Brushing:

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and use gentle, circular motions.
• Be sure to brush the entire surface of your implants or bridge, including the areas where the artificial teeth meet the gum line.
• Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes, as they can scratch the surface of your implants or bridges and damage the materials.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing is a crucial part of dental care, even with implants and bridges. For implants, you’ll want to use floss designed for dental implants or a special floss threader to get between the implant and the gum. For bridges, floss can help clean underneath the prosthetic tooth to prevent plaque buildup that could lead to gum disease or decay.

Tips for Flossing:

• Use a gentle, sawing motion when moving the floss between your teeth to avoid damaging the gum tissue.
• For bridges, a floss threader can help you clean under the bridge where a traditional floss might not fit.
• Consider using dental tape or an interdental brush to clean between your teeth and implants or around the bridge.
• A water flosser is a great addition to manual flossing; but it’s best not to rely on water-flossing alone

3. Rinse with an Antimicrobial Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria that brushing and flossing may miss. Choose an antimicrobial mouthwash that’s alcohol-free to prevent drying out your gums. Rinsing once or twice a day can help keep your implants and bridges clean and promote oral health by reducing the risk of gum disease.

Tips for Mouthwash Use:

• Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds, making sure it reaches all areas, including under the bridge and around the implant.
• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol, as they can irritate the gums and dry out your mouth, potentially leading to discomfort or other oral health issues.

4. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

Dental implants and bridges are designed to be durable, but they are not invincible. Chewing hard or sticky foods can place unnecessary stress on your new teeth and may cause damage or dislodging. Foods like ice, hard candies, and sticky candies should be avoided, as they can cause fractures, chips, or dislodge the bridge.

Tips for Eating:

• Cut hard foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of damaging your implants or bridges.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens or nails, as this can place undue pressure on your dental work.
• Stick to softer foods, especially during the first few weeks after your implant surgery or bridge installation, to allow your new teeth to adjust.

5. Regular Dental Checkups

Just because you have implants or a bridge doesn’t mean you can skip dental visits. Regular checkups with your dentist are essential to ensure that your implants or bridges are still functioning properly. The specialized dentists at Derby Dental Group will examine your oral health, check for signs of infection, and ensure that your dental work is properly aligned and in good condition.

Tips for Checkups:

• Schedule regular visits every 3-6 months for a routine cleaning and checkup.
• If you experience any discomfort, loosening, or changes in the appearance of your implants or bridge, don’t hesitate to contact us right away.

6. Don’t Forget About Gum Care

Even though dental implants and bridges are artificial, the health of your gums is just as important. Gums that are infected or inflamed can affect the stability of your implants or bridges. Make sure to keep your gums healthy by brushing and flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash, and attending regular dental visits to detect any early signs of gum disease.

Tips for Gum Health:

• Keep your gums clean by brushing gently along the gum line.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can increase the risk of gum disease and impact the success of your implants or bridge.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your New Teeth

Proper care for your dental implants and bridges is crucial to ensure their long-term success and keep your smile looking its best. By brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding damaging foods, using mouthwash, and attending routine dental checkups, you can maintain the health and function of your new teeth. With the right care, your implants and bridges can serve you for many years, restoring not just your smile, but your confidence as well.