Flossing is an important part of maintaining good dental hygiene. Flossing after every meal is recommended to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. However, when a bridge is present, flossing can be a bit more complicated. Bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth and are held in place with crowns. Flossing a bridge can take some practice, but with the proper technique, it can be done easily and effectively.
How To Floss A Bridge
To floss a bridge, start by unwinding about 18 inches of dental floss from the floss dispenser. Wrap the floss around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving about an inch of floss between them. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Gently insert the floss between the teeth at the gum line. Curve it around the side of the tooth in a C-shape and slide it up and down the side of each tooth. Move the floss back and forth several times to remove any plaque and food particles.
To floss around the bridge, gently insert the floss between the pontic (artificial tooth) and the abutment teeth. Curve the floss around the pontic in a C-shape and use the same back and forth motion to floss the pontic and the abutment teeth.
When done, discard the used floss and use a new section for each tooth. Make sure to floss twice daily for the best results.
People Also Ask
What Is The Best Floss To Use For a Bridge?
The best floss to use for a bridge is waxed floss. Waxed floss is easier to use and less likely to shred or break than unwaxed floss. It also slides more easily between teeth, making it easier to floss around a bridge.
Do I Need To Floss With a Bridge?
Yes, it is important to floss with a bridge. Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, even when a bridge is present. Flossing twice daily is recommended for the best results.
How Long Does It Take To Floss A Bridge?
It usually takes about one minute to floss a bridge. However, the amount of time it takes will depend on the size and shape of the bridge. It may take a bit longer the first few times, until you get the hang of it.
What Happens If I Don't Floss Around My Bridge?
If you don't floss around your bridge, plaque and food particles can build up between the teeth and around the bridge. This can lead to decay and gum disease, as well as bad breath. Therefore, it is important to floss around a bridge twice daily to maintain good dental hygiene.
Flossing a bridge may seem daunting at first, but with the proper technique it can be done quickly and easily. Make sure to floss twice daily for the best results. With regular flossing, you can keep your teeth and bridge clean and healthy.