What Foods to Avoid After Having a Tooth Bridge Fitted?

The main function of teeth is biting and chewing food. To effectively facilitate this function, teeth are designed in a way that allows equal distribution of the biting pressure being exerted. Losing one or several teeth will likely result in chewing difficulties and teeth moving out of place.

Who Needs a Tooth Bridge?

For someone missing one tooth or a couple, getting a dental bridge can be a great solution for replacing the lost teeth. A bridge is a dental appliance with a natural look that works by holding several prosthetic teeth in place between two remaining natural teeth. A tooth bridge can help restore your smile and ability to speak and chew, as well as prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place. By replacing the missing teeth, dental bridges will help distribute your bite forces properly.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Getting Dental Bridges

If you choose to get bridges, visit KC Dental – Ajax for quality services. You should, however, be ready to commit to taking care of them and making regular visits to our dentist’s office near you for checkups and replacements over time.

Although the materials used to make a dental bridge in Ajax, ON, can withstand normal wear and tear, their lifespan is limited. A tooth bridge will require good care, just like natural teeth, to improve its life span. For a dental bridge to remain in good form, you will have to:

• Maintain a good dental hygiene regimen that will include regular flossing, brushing, and rinsing
• Avoid foods that are sticky, tough, or hard

To give you a start, here is a list of foodstuffs and beverages to avoid when you get tooth bridges in Ajax, ON.

1. Sugary Foods

Unlike natural teeth, most dental restorations, including tooth bridges, are not susceptible to decay, but sugary treats remain to be a concern. This is because although bacteria cannot cause damage to the bridge, they can wreak havoc on the adjacent natural teeth. If the teeth supporting the bridge get damaged by dental decay, the bridge becomes compromised, and you may have to get a replacement after treating the adjacent teeth.

2. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods such as gum, chewy candy, and caramel have the highest potential to damage dental bridges. This is usually the case when the tooth bridge is new, and the bonding process to the adjacent teeth is not complete.

These sticky foods sometimes get caught underneath or between a tooth bridge, leaving particles behind and creating a breeding site for harmful bacteria.

3. Staining Drinks

Although the materials used in the construction of dental bridges are stain resistant, they are still likely to get discolored with time. This is usually the case if an individual routinely takes dark-colored drinks.

Staining drinks like red wine, cola, tea, and coffee can cause permanent stains on teeth if taken in high amounts. For you to maintain the clean and white appearance of your dental bridge, it would be best to avoid such beverages. To avoid staining from beverages, chew sugar-free gum after having a drink.

Since tooth bridges function just like natural teeth, no beverage or food is totally off-limits. Still, for a prolonged lifespan of a bridge, you should be mindful of what you eat and drink.

4. Hard Foods and Salty Snacks

Hard foods such as popcorn kernels, chips, and nuts can damage your dental bridge structure. The damage sustained can be sudden in the form of a fracture or chip or can develop as time goes by. Once your bridge is compromised, your adjacent teeth and gums become susceptible to dental decay and other dental health issues necessitating the need for a repair or replacement.

5. Vinegar

Vinegar is a highly acidic product and is capable of causing enamel erosion, but most people are unaware of this. This means that by using vinegar, you risk compromising the adjacent teeth supporting your bridge.

If you find it challenging to avoid all the foods listed above, you can try adjusting your drinking and eating habits. For example, choose sugar-free or artificially sweetened beverages to lower your risks. Sugar-free mints and gum can help dislodge food left stuck between teeth.