If you’re missing one or more teeth that were once located next to each other, a dental bridge might be the best way to replace them. This restoration is named this way because it literally bridges the gap between teeth. As beneficial as bridges are, there are a few things that can prevent them from reaching their five to seven-year expected lifespan. Read on to learn about three things that commonly lead to dental bridge failure as well as a few tips to help you prevent them.
Cause #1: Having Poor Oral Hygiene
Out of all the things that can lead to dental bridge failure, cavities are the most common. Even though the teeth are covered by the bridge, this doesn’t mean that they can’t become decayed. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene by brushing for two minutes twice per day and carefully cleaning around and under your bridge, the teeth beneath it can become decayed. Over time, this may cause the teeth to become loose or fall out, which can cause your bridge to fail.
Cause #2: Not Going to Regular Dental Checkups
Every six months, patients should schedule an appointment with their dental team. These biannual visits are key to maintaining a healthy smile because they allow your hygienist to thoroughly clean your teeth. Your dentist will then examine the oral cavity and take note of any oral health issues. This will also give them a chance to find any issues with your dental bridge. If you wait too long to see your dentist and oral health issues develop, you’ll be much more likely to experience dental bridge failure.
Cause #3: Engaging in Bad Dental Habits
There are certain bad oral habits that are likely to cause dental bridge failure, including:
- Biting hard objects – Don’t chew on or bite your fingernails, pen tips, ice, or any other hard objects as they can damage your bridge and cause it to fail.
- Chewing sticky or crunchy foods – Eating crunchy or sticky foods like chips, crackers, nuts, and gummy candy can loosen, get stuck on, tug on, or dislodge your bridge.
- Bruxism – If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, this can lead to dental bridge failure. Bruxism is more common while sleeping.
3 Ways to Prevent Dental Bridge Failure
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent dental bridge failure, such as:
- Take care of your smile – Keep up with your oral hygiene routine by brushing twice and flossing once daily.
- Visit your dentist – By attending regular checkups and cleanings, you can lessen your risk of bridge failure.
- Give up unhealthy habits – Don’t chew on non-food objects, use your teeth as tools, or use tobacco products as these can all cause your bridge to fail. You should also cut back on your sugar consumption to prevent cavities.
- Eat a balanced diet – Do this by increasing your intake of tooth-healthy foods like fruit, veggies, lean meats, dairy products, and nuts.
- Wear a mouthguard – If you have bruxism or play contact sports, a mouthguard will create a barrier between your teeth to protect your bridge from harm.
Though there are several things that can result in dental bridge failure, there are also plenty of ways to prevent it. With the above information, you can keep your smile healthy, happy, and bright!
About the Author
Dr. Kathy Lam takes a comfortable, precise approach to dental care to ensure that her patients feel at ease throughout their appointments. She loves helping her patients care for their smiles and offers restorations like dental bridges to fill in the gaps so you can regain confidence in your smile. For more information on Dr. Kathy Lam’s services or to set up a consultation, visit her website or call her dental office at (630) 653-7720.