Flossing with Bridges

Patients at Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Midtown practice can count on receiving helpful instructions for maintaining their oral hygiene. As patients get different kinds of restorations, their hygienic needs will change, and we want to make sure our patients with fixed bridges understand how to floss correctly.

There is no space in between teeth on a bridge that requires flossing, but there is a space between the bridge and the gum. This area must be kept clean in order to prevent plaque build-up, inflammation, and bad breath. Most commonly, patients use a threader (a device similar to a big, floppy needle) to loop a strand of floss around the bridge, and then floss normally. Some companies also manufacture stiffened floss which can be pushed through the gap.

Patients whose fixed bridges rest on implants instead of on reshaped natural teeth may have some more space to work with. If so, they can use proxy brushes to push debris out of the gap. Manufacturers are now making toothbrush and water pick heads that are specially shaped for use on implants, and these tools are useful for structures supported by multiple implants, as well.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.