How To Floss A Dental Bridge

If you’ve recently had a dental bridge placed, you're on your way to an improved smile and improved function. While a dental bridge is an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, it also requires some special care, especially when it comes to cleaning. 

A dental bridge is designed to fill the gap created by missing teeth, but it can also trap food and plaque around the crowns and underneath the bridge. If left unchecked, bacteria can accumulate in these areas, leading to gum disease, decay of surrounding teeth, and even damage to the bridge itself.

Flossing with a dental bridge helps you clean under the bridge and between the teeth, preventing plaque buildup and keeping your gums healthy. This extra care ensures that your bridge stays secure and your 

oral health stays in tip-top shape.

How to Floss with a Dental Bridge

1. Use a Floss Threader

Regular flossing doesn’t work well with dental bridges because you can't simply thread the floss between your teeth due to the wire or crowns. Instead, a floss threader is the tool you’ll need. Think of it as a pointed needle-like tool that helps you get the floss under the bridge to clean the spaces between the crown of the bridge and your natural teeth.

2. Poke the Threader Through

Carefully poke the threader through the space between the crown of the bridge and your natural teeth. It may take a little maneuvering to get the threader in place, but be patient and avoid forcing it.

3. Sweep the Floss Around

Once the threader is through, sweep the floss around each side of the tooth and gently pull the floss under the bridge. The goal is to clean beneath the bridge without damaging your gums or the structure of the bridge. Once the floss is under the bridge, use it to gently clean both sides of the tooth it’s attached to, moving the floss up and down along the tooth’s surface.

4. Make a “C” Shape and Gently Clean

After getting the floss under the bridge, form a “C” shape around each tooth. This helps the floss hug the sides of the tooth, ensuring that all surfaces are cleaned. Gently move the floss up and down, being careful not to snap it or force it into your gums. Flossing should be gentle—if you apply too much pressure, you could damage the gums or cause discomfort.

5. Repeat for All Areas

Make sure you clean both the natural teeth on either side of the bridge, as well as the areas directly under the bridge. Don’t rush through it—take your time to ensure every area is properly cleaned. Flossing between the crowns and underneath the bridge is essential for removing trapped food particles and plaque, which could otherwise lead to decay or gum problems.

6. Rinse and Check for Debris

Once you've finished flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any debris. Check your floss to see if any food or plaque came loose while flossing. If you see any remaining debris, you may need to floss again or try using a different flossing tool.

The Keys to Flossing with a Dental Bridge

• Be Gentle: The floss should slide gently between the teeth and under the bridge. If you feel resistance or discomfort, stop and adjust the angle before continuing to avoid damaging your gums or bridge.

• Floss Daily: It’s crucial to floss at least once a day, ideally before bedtime. Flossing helps prevent plaque buildup and ensures the areas under the bridge stay clean.

• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular checkups are especially important when you have a dental bridge. Your dentist will examine the bridge’s condition and make sure there are no issues with the surrounding teeth or gums.

Flossing with a dental bridge doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require a little extra effort. By using a floss threader, being gentle with the floss, and cleaning thoroughly beneath the bridge, and a little patience and care, you’ll be smiling with your dental bridge for years to come.