Getting a dental bridge can be a big adjustment. When dealing with dental bridges, there are several lifestyle changes you will have to make until you grow accustomed to it. One of the biggest things you will have to adjust to is the way you eat—not just in the food you take in, but in the overall process of eating.
First, consider the good news: having your dental bridge will make it much easier for you to eat. It goes without saying that the less gaps and spaces you have in your mouth, the easier it will be to chew. Your dentist will likely suggest eating softer foods for a short time right after the placement of a dental bridge. Also, when possible, cut whatever you are eating into small pieces before eating. [pullquote]Avoid items that require excessive chewing or hard foods that are challenging to eat.[/pullquote]
Of course, there will be certain foods that patients with dental bridges will want to stay clear of. Avoid items that require excessive chewing or hard foods that are challenging to eat. It is also important to avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, which could have been the contributing factor to the dental issues in the first place. Speaking of sugar, people with dental bridges should avoid certain candies. Hard candies in particular can mean big trouble – they can easily chip or even break your bridge.
Similarly, soft and sticky candies can be equally damaging. Any candies such as gum, caramels or anything gummy can actually loosen the bond that is holding your bridge in place. Even if the loosening is so miniscule that you can’t feel it, this allows sugar and bacteria to get inside the area between your dental bridge and tooth, which can lead to tooth decay.
If you would like to know more about how dental bridges will affect your eating habits, contact our experienced and dedicated dental team at 210-616-0858 today.