Dental Bridge Maintenance, updated 2026 onwards...
Tooth Bridge maintenance for all Dental Bridges is so very important, because they are complex and the teeth they are attached to, could still decay or get gum disease or infection later.
As a tooth-Bridge is attached to and dependent on the supporting teeth, if these teeth were damaged or lost then so would the bridge be, with any larger gap then perhaps being too wide for an even longer bridge, meaning more complex implants or removable part-dentures instead!
Bridges often need replacing on average every 8-12 years, but the remaining tooth & roots need to remain healthy and strong to carry a replacement bridge too!
CORONA VIRUS & SAFETY UPDATES 2026 : Thank you for your continued patience with our systems, as there are still occasional outbreaks of Covid, bad Flus and resistant Norovirus etc; people mix and travel more and frankly, most don't clean their hands as well as they used to.
Top Tip - preventively wash your hands often (a common spread of diseases are contacts with people and handles), especially before eating snacks or fast foods, pizza etc.
With tooth Bridges, one can also get food particles, grains or pips stuck under the Bridge pontic, which replaces the missing tooth, so special bridge cleaning methods are needed, such as "super-floss" to clean underneath these bridge areas, to prevent bad breath and/or infection resulting from not cleaning the bridge properly.
A dental bridge depends on the health of the adjacent teeth and gums for support.
To care for your bridge, brush and floss normally after each meal and don't miss regular dental visits and cleanings to prevent problems too.
Superfloss and floss threaders are effective self-help tools for keeping the area under your bridge plaque-free. Superfloss has a stiff end that helps in threading it through tight areas, and a fuzzy tufted segment that can remove plaque as you floss. Insert the superfloss under the bridge and use it to floss the sides of the teeth and under the bridge.
Floss threaders also aid in removing plaque. Pull out about 18 inches of floss, insert it through the floss threader, and then use the threader to insert the floss under your bridge. Floss to remove food particles and plaque from the sides of the teeth and under the bridge.
Use the same procedure to care for your temporary bridge, being careful not to dislodge it as you brush and floss. If it does come loose, gently re-attach it; call your dentist if your temporary bridge frequently comes loose. Depending on the situation, your dentist may give you additional tools and recommend techniques to help keep all the areas around your bridge free from plaque build up.
Regular visits to your Dentist are also important to prevent or discover any problems early.
The right Toothbrushing and Flossing Techniques do reduce damaging Dental Plaque.
Want to know more about brushing and Flossing techniques that prevents bad breath and keeps your Mouth and Dentistry Healthier too?
Our SmileSpecialist® Centre Dental Practice is on Station Road, opposite the Steam Railway Station at the bottom of the village hill, just opposite the new Co-Op store.
Dr.Kilcoyne has won National Prizes for the Quality of Patient Services, so you don't have to compromise ! Please do ask your regular Dentist for a Specialist referral to us, or if this is impractical for some reason, you may refer yourself directly.
*Dr.Kilcoyne is a fully GDC Registered, Trained Dentist and Specialist* in the Functional & Cosmetic aspects of Tooth Implants, Crowns, Bridges, Precision Dentures, mini-implants, Ceramics, Veneers, Occlusion, Bonding and Restoring Smiles.
The Importance of good Aftercare and Maintenance!
As well as regular check-ups to your Dentist to prevent problems (or at least catch them very early-on), please follow your aftercare advice, reduce sugar attacks and don't neglect your Toothbrushing and Flossing Techniques that reduce the Dental Plaque that damages your teeth, gums and dentistry work.
Want to know more about brushing and Flossing techniques that prevents bad breath and keeps your Mouth and Dentistry Healthier too? Then please click these for Tooth Brushing Information or Dental flossing techniques or Preventing Gum Diseases links.
*Dr.Kilcoyne is a UK registered Specialist in Prosthodontics (GDC No.58373) which includes The Functional and Cosmetic Dentistry aspects of Crowns, Dental Implants, Bridges, Veneers, Fillings, Dentures, Bonding etc.
Please go to our MAKE an APPOINTMENT page if you'd like to access his Expertise, for YOUR benefit, or simply call us on 01535644005 and leave your details?
Best wishes from the whole SmileSpecialist Team and remember, Prevention is cheaper and better than Cure - that includes Preventing making bad choices based on costs alone !