Got a Dental Bridge? This is How You Should Take Care of It
Have you recently replaced a missing tooth with a dental bridge in New Bedford, Massachusetts? If so, good for you! Now it’s time to start taking good care of it. If you keep it in tip-top shape, it can last for many years to come. That’s what you want, right? Right. So, to help you take good care of your dental bridge, your dentist, Dr. Purvesh Malaviya, and our dental team encourage you to do the following things on a regular basis:
-Brush: It’s best to brush your dental bridge twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can brush your bridge while you brush the other teeth in your smile. Make sure to brush for two minutes each time and thoroughly scrub each chomper.
-Floss: Don’t be afraid to floss your bridge. Flossing is vital for your oral health. So, make sure you floss at least once a day with a product that is easy to use. If you use a product you’re comfortable with, you’ll reduce your chances of injuring your gums.
-Rinse: Rinse your mouth daily with a beneficial product, like fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash. Rinsing will help you complete the smile-cleaning job and will also help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
-Be careful where you chew: When you first get your dental bridge, be careful when chewing hard or sticky foods. In fact, it’s best if you just avoid chewing these foods on that side of the mouth. That way you won’t risk breaking or loosening the restoration.
As you can see, taking good care of your dental bridge isn’t as tough as you might have thought. To learn more or to find out how to take care of other dental restorations, please call our office today at 508-990-9900. Our dental team will be more than happy to help you in any way we can, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Is my toothache a dental emergency? While not every toothache is considered a dental emergency, you’ll want to still visit our team just in case. This could sometimes be an indication that something is wrong with your smile. A toothache will qualify as an emergency if you experience the following:
Pain that interrupts your day, lasts for more than 24 hours, or wakes you up at night
You notice sharp discomfort when biting down or widening your mouth
The pained tooth appears darker than your other teeth
You see a small, pimple-like bump on your gums near the affected tooth
You notice signs of infections like swelling, fatigue, and fever
How you should handle a toothache: You should first give us a call so that we understand the situation and can schedule an appointment. Afterward, try flossing around the pained tooth to remove any bothersome debris. Rinse your mouth with saltwater to alleviate inflammation and fight off infection. Place a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce discomfort and swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen. Avoid using aspirin directly on your gums or teeth.
How we treat toothaches: Your treatment will depend on the root cause of your toothache. If it’s due to periodontal infection, then we’ll likely provide gum disease therapy. If your discomfort is due to an infection, then we can perform a root canal to save your tooth. But if it’s beyond repair, then our team may consider extracting it to preserve your oral health. We’ll be sure to assess your situation and determine the best way to relieve your pain and save your smile.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Most chipped teeth don’t require immediate attention. However, you’ll still want to get it treated as soon as you can since a damaged tooth will be more vulnerable to future injury and infection later on.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Try rinsing with warm water to clear out any tiny pieces of the tooth from your mouth. This way you can keep the area clean and bacteria-free. Avoid using the chipped tooth for biting or chewing anything. Feel free to cover it up with dental wax or sugarless gum if it feels sensitive.
How we treat chipped teeth: Although a chipped tooth may seem unsettling at first, it’s quite simple to treat. In most cases, we can easily repair and improve your condition with dental bonding. But if a front tooth is chipped and you’re worried about your appearance, you can consider getting veneers for a more comprehensive and longer-lasting solution.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? A cracked tooth is typically considered a dental emergency, as it will be more vulnerable to further damage, bacteria, and infection. However, if the injury is minor, then it may be able to wait a few days to get treated if necessary. That said, remember that very small cracks in your smile can be difficult to notice. If you experience any sensitivity or pain while chewing, especially after taking a blow to the face, then you might have a hidden crack that’ll require treatment.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Firstly, gently rinse your mouth with water to remove any broken fragments of the tooth, clearing away bacteria in the process. Try covering up your tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum if it feels sensitive. Keep away from chewing on that side of your mouth until you can see us.
How we treat cracked teeth: If the crack in your tooth is small, then we may be able to simply repair it with dental bonding. For more severe cracks, you may require protecting and strengthening it with a dental crown. In rare cases, a tooth that is beyond repair may need to be extracted and replaced altogether.
