Bridge Maintenance 101

2. Bridge Maintenance 101: Threading the Needle to Prevent Decay

A fixed dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by connecting a false tooth (called a pontic) to crowns placed on the teeth next to the gap. Unlike your natural teeth, you cannot floss straight through under the pontic.

The Critical Tool: Floss Threader: This is a plastic tool with a stiff end, designed like a large needle. You thread regular floss through the loop and use the stiff end to guide the floss under the false tooth.

The Shoe-Shine Motion: Once the floss is under the pontic, use a gentle "shoe-shining" motion to clean the underside of the pontic and the gum tissue below it. This removes trapped food and bacteria.

Superfloss Alternative: Some brands offer a pre-cut floss with a stiff end attached, making the threading step easier. This is not optional! Failure to clean under the bridge will cause severe gum inflammation and decay on the anchor teeth.