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Rewinding the Years: Dental Care Tips for Older Adults


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Rewinding the Years: Dental Care Tips for Older Adults

Once my children were grown and on their own, I decided it was time to care of me. One of the first things I did was make an appointment with the dentist. I quickly discovered that years of not keeping up with my own dental care had taken a heavy toll on my teeth. Whereas I thought my teeth were just fine, the dentist pointed out several problems that were going to require a lot of work. When talking to friends, I found out that many of them were in the same boat. This blog is for people like me who just did not have time to keep up with their own dental care.

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Signs Your Dental Bridge Does Not Fit Quite Right

A missing tooth can be replaced for cosmetic purposes using a device like a dental bridge. And, the bridges are meant to be permanent devices that fit strongly and securely. In fact, the dental bridge fit is one of the main aspects that contribute to long-term use. And, there are a few signs you can look for to identify a fit issue quickly so it can be addressed as soon as possible.

You Notice A Great Deal Of Gum Irritation

Dental bridges are supposed to fit so that they cover two healthy teeth. Each tooth sits on the outside of the full replacement tooth. Crowns help with the fit, and the lower edges of the tooth coverings sit right at the gum line. This allows the bridge to look natural. Also, if the crowns sit correctly, there will be no lip or space between the crown and the gums. This is where food will gather and cause decay issues.

However, in an attempt to ensure that there is no gap, your dentist may make your crowns a bit too long. And, when the bridge is fitted, the edges can dig into the gum tissues. This may be a problem if you notice a great deal of gum irritation with inflammation and bleeding. In time, if the issue is not fixed, then you may develop deep sores called abscesses.

If you think that the bridge may be hurting your gums, then speak with your dentist. They can trim the edges of the bridge for a better fit. The professional can also give you information on how to soothe the gums to reduce inflammation and soreness.

Your Bite Is Hard

If you have ever had a dental filling that was a bit too high, then you know what it feels like to bite down hard against your tooth. Not only is this painful, but the pressure can make it extremely difficult to eat naturally. When it comes to a bridge that is too high, the effect is much greater and even more bothersome. Instead of a single area where the bite is not correct, there are three different parts of the bridge where the upper or lower teeth may not match quite right.

So, if you feel yourself biting down and meeting the bridge with strong pressure, then the device needs to be adjusted. Typically, the high parts of the bridge will be lightly shaped to match your bite better. However, in some situations, the bridge may have been cemented too high up on the teeth. The bridge will then need to be removed and possibly remade. 

To learn more about dental bridges, contact a facility like the AQ Denture and Dental Implant Center.