Extra cares for bridges, implants and braces
Are there any extra cares when you clean your bridge?
Did you know that between the part of the bridge that replaces the missing tooth and the gum beneath it also accumulates food that should be removed?
Often this space is very tight and the toothbrush does not clean it. The fact that the bridge coveres the teeth does not meat that they are prevented from the formation of caries, gum disease and movement.
If you want to prolong the life of the bridge and teeth it is important to clean not only around it, but below it.
- Teeth that are part of the bridge are merged together and you need to use a special floss. It has hard and soft part. Place the stiffed end under the bridge and the support tooth and pull it until the soft part reaches the bridge. Wrap it around the tooth and clean the respective tooth surface. Carefully move the floss between the gum and the part of the bridge that replaces the missing tooth and clean with a gentle movement back and forth. Then wrap the floss around the tooth on the other side of the bridge, in order to clean the tooth surface. Finally, slowly pull the floss from the space between the tooth and the bridge. Such flosses are available commercially.
- Some patients find it easier to use a thin, flexible plastic device for "threading" of dental floss, which cleans easily and efficiently. Together with the strings they are very useful and help for cleaning under bridges, orthodontic appliances, permanently fixed retainers, related crowns and implants.
The long-term success of dental implants, which are placed on single crowns, bridges or dentures depends on how well you care for them.
If you have poor hygiene and do not clean effectively around implants, the gum around them becomes inflamed, the bone gradually melts and they become mobile. This results in their
The use of interdental brushes helps in the cleaning of the implant and the tooth which is located on the bridge.
- They come in different sizes, easy to adapt and effective in cleaning, where a toothbrush can not reach. Interdental brush should not be too small because this will reduce the cleaning effect, or too big, as this will lead to discomfort while you are brushing. It is recommended to have a plastic coating on the wire part. Move the brush back and forth and gently pushing them towards the implant or the teeth under the bridge.
- Interdental brushes will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. They clean under and around brackets and arcs. Ask your dentist for advice about a technique, size and shape of the interdental brush.
Irigators are effective to remove food debris and are useful in patients with orthodontic appliances, implants, bridges and oral hygiene difficulties .
Wooden toothpicks are not as effective as the floss and interdental brushes.
