Posted on 9/15/2015 by Tom Bierman |
 If you have a dental bridge or dental crown to support the weakened or damaged enamel of one or more teeth, you are lucky to be able to have saved your natural roots! You will be able to avoid other more serious issues from occurring down the road, such as gum recession and bone loss! Because the dental bridge or crown is very important, you should understand how to care for it in order to ensure that it lasts for many years to come. Luckily, you will not be restricted to a certain diet or have to perform any special techniques in order to clean the teeth - you can treat them just like your natural teeth. There are, however, a few simple things to watch out for to ensure the longevity of your dental restoration. Hot and Cold FoodsThe good news is that no - you do not have to give up hot and cold foods. The bad news is that you might find that you have a bit of sensitivity to these foods after getting a dental bridge. If your gums recessed or you have any space or crack in the bridge or crown, you could find that it is difficult to consume hot and cold foods. Of course, if the pain is out of control, you will likely need to be seen to see what the issue may be, but if you go slow and determine what you can tolerate, you will just reach a new normal for your mouth and what you can consume.Sugary FoodsDental bridges and crowns cannot get decayed, but the teeth underneath them can. Typically, there is a little enamel left that the bridge or crown is adhered to, which if sugar and bacteria get down to the area, can become decayed. If this happens, your crown or bridge can become loose and even fall out. This does not mean that you cannot ever enjoy sugary sweets, but you need to make sure that you are vigilant about cleaning your teeth afterwards by drinking a glass of water and then following it up by brushing and flossing your teeth approximately 30 minutes after enjoying the treat.Sticky Foods The basic idea is to use common sense when eating with dental restorations. They are not as secure as your natural teeth and run the risk of either falling out or being damaged. Yes, you can consume most of your favorite foods and not have to worry about the inability to chew certain times, but avoiding the foods that could damage your bridge or crown will help you to keep them for many years to come. If your dental restoration does fall out, please call us right away so that we can cement it back in and/or suggest a different treatment depending on the reason for the restoration becoming loose. |
FAQs
Dentist San Diego CA - Foods to Avoid when you Have a Dental Bridge? ›
Biting down on hard foods can exert too much pressure on crowns or bridges, possibly leading to cracks or breaks. Ice, nuts, hard candies, and even some crunchy fruits and vegetables should be approached with caution.
What foods to avoid with a bridge? ›- Very Hard Foods. ...
- Lots of Sweets. ...
- Sticky Foods. ...
- Highly Staining Foods and Beverages.
What to Avoid After Dental Bridge Treatment. Hard and sticky foods like candies, nuts, ice cubes, chewing gum, caramel, or popcorn kernels can damage or dislodge the dental bridge. Crunchy and tough foods such as apples, raw carrots, or crusty bread may put excessive pressure on the bridge, risking its stability.
Can you eat like normal with a dental bridge? ›Can You Eat Normally with a Dental Bridge? Yes, a dental bridge lets you eat all your favorite foods, but it might take a while to adjust. To start eating with a dental bridge, try out softer foods and gradually introduce harder foods as you get used to your bridge.
Can I drink coffee with dental bridge? ›Drinks like red wine, coffee and colas
Repeated or prolonged exposure to red wine, coffee, cola – and nicotine from smoking – can stain dental work. To prolong the appearance of your bridge – and appearance is an important factor in their function, let's face it – avoid foods and drinks that will stain them.
Patients with fixed dental bridges will confront no challenges eating a varied diet without restrictions. However, some care helps reduce damage to the dental bridge.
What can damage a dental bridge? ›If decay or trauma results in damage to your abutment teeth, it can weaken your dental bridge. If your abutment teeth aren't strong enough to support your bridge, they can fracture. If you don't properly clean the bridge and underlying gum tissue, plaque and bacteria can cause gum inflammation or cavities.
Does food get stuck under dental bridge? ›If you don't clean your dental bridge properly, food can get lodged underneath it and cause an infection. Food particles under the bridge are more likely to become trapped in this area if they're not brushed off regularly with a toothbrush. If food gets stuck under a dental bridge, it can irritate the gums.
Can you eat steak with a bridge? ›Other than hard foods, the bridge should be and can be used like natural teeth. You can enjoy your favourite steak, or bite into an apple without worrying about the bridge dislodging (unlike removable dentures). Being able to enjoy a variety of foods is one of the greatest advantages of getting a dental bridge.
Can I eat ice cream after dental bridge? ›After the final bridge is put in, you will need to eat soft foods like ice cream and yogurt for a few days so that the bridge can settle into place. After that though, the bridge will be functional and feel normal and natural to you.
Why is a dental bridge not recommended? ›
Traditional bridges require putting crowns over perfectly healthy teeth. The healthy teeth on either side of the bridge will have to be shaved down and capped, which results in losing some healthy tooth enamel. This increases the risk of permanent damage to already healthy teeth.
Can we eat chicken with dental bridge? ›Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu are excellent choices for dental bridge wearers. They provide essential nutrients like protein, which aids in tissue repair without posing a threat to your dental work. Be sure to cook them thoroughly and cut them into small, manageable pieces to make chewing easier.
What can I eat after getting a bridge? ›You are advised to start with soft foods so that your gums and dental bridge can get used to the motion of eating. These include foods such as scrambled eggs, boiled rice, and mashed potatoes.
What is the rule for dental bridges? ›Ante's law, states that the roots of abutment teeth must have a combined periodontal surface area in three dimensions that is more than that of the missing root structures of the teeth replaced with a bridge, is used in bridgework design. This law remains controversial in terms of supporting clinical evidence.
How do I clean under my dental bridge? ›Keeping your dental bridge clean is crucial to steer clear of infection. A dental bridge cannot be taken out to be cleaned because it is permanent. For your dental bridge, pick a simple-to-use tool like a floss threader, super floss, interdental brush, or water pick.
How long does it take for gums to heal after a dental bridge? ›Recovery from a dental bridge procedure varies from person to person. In most cases, it takes about two weeks for the gums and teeth to recover from the procedure, but it may take a longer time to fully feel comfortable with the sensation of having a dental bridge.
Can I eat ice cream with dental bridge? ›After the final bridge is put in, you will need to eat soft foods like ice cream and yogurt for a few days so that the bridge can settle into place. After that though, the bridge will be functional and feel normal and natural to you.
What foods can you eat with a temporary bridge? ›In the first few hours after getting a temporary crown, it's advisable to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. Opt for items like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, or smoothies. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the temporary crown.