Dental bridges are a popular solution for missing teeth, restoring them both functional and appearance-wise. However, one common question about this treatment is whether you can eat normally after getting a bridge restoration.
Dental bridges don’t come with limitations regarding what you can eat, but being careful around certain foods can ensure that your new teeth last you as long as possible. Here’s all you need to know about that.
What Can and Can’t I Eat with Dental Bridges?
Don’ts When Eating With Bridges
Dental bridges can last up to 10 to 15 years. To ensure that your restoration lives the longest life possible, here are some foods we recommend avoiding:
- Sugar-Rich Foods: Sweets, biscuits, carbonated drinks, and certain fruits can cause dental caries, which can damage natural teeth and the teeth that support crowns and bridges.
- Sticky Foods: Caramel, taffy, and gum can stick to your dental restorations and possibly push them out.
- Hard Foods: Ice, nuts, hard candies, and crunchy fruits can put too much pressure on bridges or crowns, increasing the possibility of fractures or cracks.
Dos When Eating with Bridges
You can eat a wide range of foods after getting a dental bridge, but start with ones that are gentler on your teeth, such as:
- Soft Fruits: Bananas, berries, avocado, peach slices, and pears are soft foods that won’t strain your bridge. The same goes for steamed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, spinach, peas, and zucchini.
- Protein Sources: Eggs, tofu, fish, chicken, and turkey are sources of protein, which plays a vital role in your bone and periodontium (the tissues supporting teeth) health.
- Dairy Products: Cheese, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream are soft and easy to eat but also a valuable source of calcium, which is crucial to your teeth’s health.
Learn About Dental Bridges in Seneca
As you may’ve noticed, the restrictions regarding eating with dental bridges are very similar to the ones that apply to your natural teeth: sugary and hard foods are always better limited, as they can lead to cavities and oral trauma.
If you’ve any doubts regarding your dental bridges, give us a call!