Dental bridges are strong and durable restorations that replace a single tooth or a small span of missing teeth. These restorations fill in the gap between two healthy teeth to restore the integrity of the smile so that patients can bite, chew, and perform other oral functions. Additionally, dental bridges improve the aesthetics of the smile by restoring a full set of healthy-looking teeth.
While dental bridges are made of materials that can withstand the usual wear and tear of biting and chewing, they do have a limited lifespan. To prolong the lifespan of a dental bridge, patients should practice good oral hygiene habits and avoid foods and beverages that could prematurely damage these restorations.
The experienced cosmetic dentists at Astoria Dental Group discuss foods and drinks to avoid with dental bridges so that our Queens, NY patients can enjoy their dental bridges for many years to come.
Gum, Caramel, and Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, gum, and chewy candy have the greatest potential to cause damage to dental bridges, especially if the bridge is new and has not completely bonded with adjacent teeth.
Sticky foods can get caught between or underneath a dental bridge, leaving behind particles that can be a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.
Another risk is that the bridge could get stuck on the sticky food and may even be pulled out of place while the patient is chewing.
Sugary Treats
Dental bridges and other restorations are not susceptible to tooth decay like the natural teeth. However, sugary treats can still be a concern.
Even though bacteria cannot damage the dental bridge, it can damage the teeth adjacent to the bridge. If the teeth supporting a dental bridge become damaged by decay, the dental bridge will no longer be secure and may need to be replaced after adjacent teeth are treated for dental damage.
Nuts, Chips, and Hard Foods
We use the strongest materials possible when constructing a dental bridge, but patients should still be careful to protect these restorations. Hard foods like nuts, chips, and popcorn kernels can damage the structure of a dental bridge.
Damage may develop over time, or it could occur suddenly in the form of a chip or fracture. Once the structure of a dental bridge has been compromised, the gums and adjacent teeth will be susceptible to decay and other oral health problems, so the bridge will need to be repaired or replaced right away.
Wine, Coffee, and Cola
The materials used to construct a dental bridge are resistant to stains, but these restorations can still become discolored over time. This is especially true if the patient routinely drinks dark-colored drinks, like wine, coffee, tea, and cola. To maintain the clean, white appearance of the dental bridge, patients should avoid these beverages as much as possible.
Dental bridges function like the natural teeth, so no food or beverage is completely off-limits after dental bridge treatment. Still, to prolong the lifespan of the dental bridge, patients should be careful about what they eat and drink. By using common sense, minimizing exposure to certain foods and beverages, and practicing a good oral hygiene routine, most patients can enjoy their dental bridge for many years.
Contact Us
If you have questions about dental bridge treatment, or would like more information about how to best care for your dental restoration, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Astoria Dental Group are happy to help. Contact us to learn more about dental bridges and our other restorative dentistry services by calling (718) 557-9305.
