Crowns and bridges should be cared for just like all your teeth. Dental hygiene matters and could be the difference between a cavity that needs a filling and a tooth falling out because of severe decay. At North Park Family Dental, Dr. Robert Dame of Grand Rapids, MI, can help you get the care you need, which includes education on how to properly care for teeth.
What are crowns and bridges?
There are many types of dental restorations that help rejuvenate your smile and teeth. Crowns and bridges are two types of restorations that can help you.
- Crowns are cap-like tooth covers that fit over teeth to reinforce what remains of a natural tooth after decay and/or to improve the aesthetic of teeth.
- Bridges, on the other hand, are fixed dental restorations that replace one or more missing teeth by placing an artificial tooth between adjacent teeth.
How do you care for crowns and bridges?
Both restorations improve your smile and confidence. To extend their lifetime, make sure you visit your Grand Rapids doctor and do the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold the brush at a 40-degree angle and move in circular rotation on tooth surfaces and near the edge of gum tissue
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush protects your tooth's enamel from wearing out
- Go for fluoride-containing toothpaste, mouthwash, and even put fluoride in your water to prevent decay
- Drink plenty of water to wash away food debris that may stick to teeth and cause decay
- Flossing is an essential part of caring for your teeth because it removes food between teeth and hard-to-reach places a toothbrush can't get to
- Eat fruits and vegetables as opposed to sugary food and beverages
Do you want to speak with a dentist?
If you'd like to speak to a dentist about how to better care for your oral hygiene, make sure you call Dr. Robert Same of Grand Rapids, MI. Just give North Park Family Dental a call at 616-361-7265.