Foods And Drinks To Avoid With Dental Bridges

If you have 1 or 2 missing teeth in a row, dental bridges in Chevy Chase may be a great way to restore your smile. It is essentially a dental prosthetic that fills the gap between two natural teeth so you can chew your food normally.

Bridges act like dental crowns, so they do require reshaping the natural teeth before placement, which is why they are usually not recommended if your two anchor teeth are perfectly healthy. But if they are damaged, then dental bridges may be an optimal treatment for you.

Dental bridges are designed to last for a long time, but patient maintenance can affect their lifespan tremendously. If you have a dental bridge, check out these foods you should be avoiding in order to protect your dental reconstruction:

1. Very Hard Foods

Dental bridges are made to withstand the daily pressure you place on your teeth when chewing your food, meaning they are quite strong. However, sooner or later, wear and tear can damage the bridge.

And by routinely chewing on hard foods such as nuts, hard crackers, or chips, you can speed up the process tremendously. Hard foods require a lot more pressure while chewing to properly break down the foods, which can lead to bridge damage such as cracking or chipping.

2. Lots of Sweets

While dental bridges cannot form cavities, eating lots of sugary treats can increase the risk of damaging your natural teeth. If the teeth adjacent to the bridge become damaged, the bridge itself may no longer be fully supported, in which case you will need to opt for a new type of dental restoration.

3. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like caramel can slowly pull at the dental bridge while chewing, which over time, can actually lead to the dental prosthetic loosening or even falling.

Moreover, the sticky substances can sometimes get trapped beneath the dental bridge, which means sugars get direct access to the gums. This can increase your risk for gum disease.

4. Highly Staining Foods and Beverages

Dental bridges are usually made from non-staining materials, so they are not as quick to stain as natural teeth. But over time, these materials can become discolored, especially if you routinely indulge in highly staining foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, or tomato sauces.

To prevent this from happening, it’s best to avoid these treats as much as possible, or at least change your habits to reduce the likelihood of staining. For instance, you can drink your morning coffee through a straw to reduce the drinks’ contact with your teeth, and cleanse your mouth with water right after.

Interested in Dental Bridges? We Can Help

Chevy Chase dentist Eric Morrison DDS, MAGD is here to help restore your oral health and lead you to the smile of your dreams!

Book a dental bridge consultation at Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry today.