Getting a dental bridge is an excellent option to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. If you recently got dental bridges near you, it’s important to know how to care for the dental bridge, including what you eat and drink.Some foods may damage your bridge or impair healing, while others may cause you discomfort or loosen your crown.
In this guide, we will explain what to avoid to keep your dental bridge intact and your mouth healthy.
What to Avoid Eating After Getting a Dental Bridge
Sticky foods and hard foods may damage your dental bridge, particularly soon after it has been placed. If you are wondering what to avoid eating after getting a dental bridge, this list will help:
Avoid eating:
- Chewing gum or sticky candies, caramel, taffy, etc.
- Hard foods: like nuts, unpopped popcorn kernels, ice
- Tough meats, jerky, or anything else chewy, e.g., steak
- Raw crunchy vegetables: carrots, celery (except if softened)
- Toasts, bagels, or crusts because they are hard
When it comes to drinks, avoid:
- Super-hot drinks can weaken the cement used
- Sugary sodas and sugary sports drinks
- Alcohol, because it can dry out your mouth and affect healing
Instead, try to stick to soft, gentle foods such as:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Eggs
- Cooked vegetables
- Pasta or rice
Starting with a good bridge will help avoid damage and lessen feelings of discomfort.
What Are Dental Bridge Care Tips from a Dentist?
A trusted dentist in Kingston will tell you that bridges need daily care to stay strong. Even though they’re made from durable materials, they’re not as strong as natural teeth and can wear down over time without proper maintenance.
Here are some simple dental bridge care tips:
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use floss or a floss threader to clean under the bridge
- Rinse daily with an alcohol-free mouthwash
- Avoid using the bridge to bite very hard items
Regular dental visits are also important. Your dentist will check the bridge, clean areas you can’t reach, and make sure your gums stay healthy.
Tips from a Dentist on Cleaning Dental Bridges?
Looking for advice from a dentist near you?
Proper cleaning is key to avoiding gum infections, decay, or bridge failure. Many people forget that food can get stuck under a dental bridge. If it isn’t removed, it can cause bad breath and bacterial buildup.
Daily bridge cleaning routine:
- Start with brushing all surfaces of your teeth and the bridge
- Use floss under the bridge to clean trapped food
- Water flossers can also help remove debris in hard-to-reach spots
- Rinse with mouthwash to kill germs
Don’t skip your cleanings. Visiting your dentist every 6 months will help prevent major problems.
Why Some Foods Can Damage Your Bridge?
A good rule to follow? If it’s hard to bite, chewy, or sticky, it’s probably not great for your bridge. That’s because dental bridges aren’t connected to nerves the same way real teeth are. You may not feel damage until it’s too late.
Your dentist in Kingston might recommend a softer diet during the first few weeks. This gives your gums and the supporting teeth time to adjust. Even after that, it’s best to limit certain foods to avoid damage or discomfort.
Take Care of Your Smile Today!
Your dental bridge can last 10–15 years or more with the right care. Avoiding the wrong foods and drinks is a big part of that. Listen to your dentist, clean your bridge every day, and make smart food choices.
At Auden Park Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you protect your smile. Whether you’re new to bridges or need help managing an existing one, our team is ready to support your dental health at every step.
Book your visit today and keep your dental bridge strong, clean, and long-lasting.
FAQs
Can I eat crunchy snacks like chips with a dental bridge?
Chips can be too hard and may crack the bridge. It’s best to avoid them or eat with caution.
How long do I need to avoid sticky or chewy foods?
At least for the first few weeks, but limiting them long-term helps protect your bridge.
Can I drink coffee with my dental bridge?
Yes, but let it cool down first. Very hot drinks can weaken the cement holding the bridge.
Will sugar damage my dental bridge?
Sugar won’t damage the bridge itself, but it can cause decay in the teeth supporting the bridge.
