How to Keep Your Dental Bridge White

Dental bridges are commonly used to replace lost teeth. They can bring back your bite function, make your smile look better, and improve your face shape. Like natural teeth, dental bridges can stain and discolour if they are not properly cared for. If you are seeking advice on caring for your own dental bridge, a dental clinic in Red Deer will offer you personalized recommendations and professional care that is tailored to your individual circumstances.

A dentist near you can assess the conditions of your dental bridge, will alert you to common stain risks you may not have experienced yet, and will recommend different treatments and daily practices on how to keep them bright and clean.

Why Dental Bridges Can Discolour

Dental bridges are made from porcelain or ceramic materials designed with the intention of modelling the look and functionality of a tooth. Although bridges are resilient, they are not immune to staining. Staining can occur from the following:

Regularly drinking coffee, tea, or red wine
Smoking or using tobacco
Poor oral hygiene is causing plaque
Eating acidic foods that wear down protective components

Relying on this information will allow you to recognize the risks and take preventive measures to protect your investment.

Daily Habits to Keep Your Dental Bridge White

Maintaining the whiteness of your bridge starts with good oral health. According to professionals, taking care of your dental bridge can be as easy as:

Gently brushing your dental bridge at least two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Flossing around the bridge carefully to wash away food particles and debris that lead to plaque.
Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean underneath the bridge.
Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash to help keep plaque from building up and staining your bridge.

By doing these easy, everyday tasks, you can help keep your dental bridge looking great and remain dentally healthy.

Professional Care and Cleaning

While home care is important, nothing beats professional cleaning. Professional cleanings, which we recommend regularly at a dental bridge near you in Red Deer, are important so your bridge does not discolour and the surrounding teeth remain healthy.

During your professional cleaning:

They remove tartar and plaque that can discolour your bridge
They check to see if the bridge is worn or has any damage
They polish your teeth so they shine
Your dental professional may apply fluoride treatments that strengthen the surrounding teeth to prevent decay

Professional care also allows your dentist to recommend foods to avoid or habits to change to help keep your bridge looking fresh longer.

Foods and Lifestyle Tips

The food and drink you consume affects the colour of your dental bridge, and making a few simple changes can help preserve its colour:

– Limit consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark soda

– After having a food or drink that can stain, rinse out your mouth with water

– Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco

– Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can naturally help clean your teeth

These simple changes can help slow down the staining of your dental bridge and keep it looking natural.

Whitening Considerations

Dental bridges, unlike your natural teeth, should not be treated with conventional whitening products. If your bridge is stained, we recommend that you visit a dental professional, as they may be able to polish the bridge or determine if it can be replaced. Avoid going to your corner drugstore to buy a product that contains whitening agents, as they usually will scratch the surface of the bridge.

Maintain a Bright Smile

With a combination of proper home care, food, and lifestyle adjustments, combined with professional cleaning, your dental bridge can remain white and healthy for many years. What you do today contributes to your smile for tomorrow in confidence and worth!

At Parkland Mall Dental Centre, our friendly team can provide advice and help you ensure your dental bridge remains looking its best. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a bright and healthy smile!