You’ve got a dental bridge and a commitment to keeping the rest of your teeth healthy. You know that means brushing and flossing your natural teeth, but how do you keep food particles, debris, and decay-causing bacteria at bay when you have a bridge?
Cleaning a Dental Bridge
It’s no secret that keeping dental bridges, crowns and other dental applications clean is essential to good oral hygiene. A water flosser can help significantly in this capacity, as the pulsating action and constant, steady stream of water easily cleans under bridges and around crowns, all areas where food particles and bacteria can become trapped and lead to decay of neighboring teeth.
Some water flosser brands come with a variety of specialty tips, which can maximize ease of cleaning even further. The process of cleaning by irrigation with a water flosser washes debris and bacteria away quickly and efficiently. Using the right tips and the right technique, water flossing can actually reach into tight nooks and crannies you might otherwise miss.
The only true downside to using a water flosser to clean a dental bridge is, in most cases, the learning curve. When you first get started, you may accidentally spray water places you never intended to, like the counter or bathroom mirror. The cost can also be a consideration, as the initial investment and tip replacement every few months can be quite a bit pricier than toothbrushes and floss. When you weigh this expense against the potential for trouble down the line, though, many patients consider a water flosser a sound investment.
Should Everyone Use a Water Flosser for a Dental Bridge?
As with everything else in the world of healthcare, individual experiences will vary. Depending on several factors, many of which are unique to each individual, your dentist may recommend an alternative to clean your dental bridge and natural teeth with a water flosser. The best way to know for sure whether a water flosser is the best cleaning tool for your dental bridge is to consult with a knowledgeable dentist who can evaluate your needs individually to provide a care plan tailored to your unique needs.
At Pearl Shine Dental, we place the highest priority on our patients’ care. We’re always here to answer questions, provide emergency services when needed and routine care throughout the year. Our expert care providers can help you find the very best care plan for your dental bridge and your overall oral health.