A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option that literally bridges the gap between two teeth. It can be anchored either by abutment teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap with a tooth in the middle. They can be used to replace one or more consecutive teeth and are a popular option for filling in gaps. Bridges can also last anywhere from 5 to 15 years on average. There are a few things that can cause a dental bridge to fail. Continue reading to learn about common causes of dental bridge failure as well as how to prevent it.
Cause #1: Poor Oral Hygiene
Tooth decay is the most common cause of dental bridge failure. Even though a bridge completely in circles the visible parts of the abutment tooth, it can still develop cavities. The most common cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene, so neglecting to brush twice per day for two minutes and not flossing every night increases your risk of decay. As the decay worsens, the bond between the tooth and the bridge will start to weaken. Eventually, this may lead to dental bridge failure.
Cause #2: Skipping Regular Dental Checkups
Another common cause of dental bridge failure is not attending biannual dental visits. For most patients, visiting the dentist every six months is enough to keep oral health issues at bay. During these visits, they will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to ensure that there aren’t any oral health issues developing. Additionally, your teeth will be deep cleaned so you can leave your appointment with a fresh smile. If you don’t attend visits, this raises your wrist of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues that may cause dental bridge failure.
Cause #3: Engaging in Bad Dental Habits
Along with poor oral hygiene and skipping biannual dental visits, engaging in bad dental habits will also raise your risk of dental bridge failure. A few bad habits to avoid include:
- Biting hard objects – Biting your fingernails or chewing on pen tips, ice, or other hard objects can damage your bridge and cause it to fail.
- Chewing sticky or crunchy foods – Avoid eating crunchy or sticky foods like crackers, nuts, chips, and gummy candy since they can cause your bridge to loosen.
- Bruxism – If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, this can cause dental bridge failure.
3 Ways to Prevent Dental Bridge Failure
Luckily, preventing dental bridge failure is easy as long as you:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing once each day
- Eat a balanced diet of fruit, veggies, lean meats, fish, dairy, and nuts
- Wear a mouthguard if you have bruxism or play contact sports
- Give up unhealthy dental habits, like smoking cigarettes
- Get checkups and cleanings twice per year
Dental bridges can last years with proper care. So, be sure not to do anything that can jeopardize yours. Your smile will thank you for it!
About the Practice
Dr. Gus Bal is the skilled dentist who leads the compassionate team of oral health professionals at Bal Dental Centre. Their passion for what they do shows in the way they treat their patients with the kind, effective care they deserve. They offer dental bridges for people who are missing teeth and can give you advice on how to avoid dental bridge failure. Call Bal Dental Centre at (647) 559-2192 or visit their website for more information or to make an appointment.
