Different types of bridges may require different types of specific care. A dentist will explain how to care for a given bridge, including when to wear and when to remove a removable bridge.

Bridges may be fragile. They can break, chip or fracture if dropped or struck. Patients may want to insert or remove a removable bridge while standing over a folded towel or a sink filled with water to help protect the bridge if it falls.

It is important that remaining teeth are kept healthy with diligent dental hygiene. If the natural teeth that support the bridge are damaged, the bridge will not fit well and may need to be replaced.

The bridge itself needs to be cleaned daily to remove food particles and plaque and to prevent stains. A dentist may recommend a special brush designed for cleaning bridges and dentures. However, a regular soft-bristled toothbrush may also be appropriate. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can damage the bridge. Patients are generally advised to avoid abrasive toothpastes on the bridge, although a gentle toothpaste may be acceptable. A dentist may recommend a special denture cleanser. It is also important to clean the gum beneath a removable bridge. Patients with fixed bridges may use a device called a floss threader to floss under their bridge. These devices help patients to pass dental floss between the artificial (pontic) teeth in the bridge and their gums.

Patients with bridges may have to make some permanent adjustments to their eating habits. Certain foods (e.g., very sticky foods) may need to be avoided if they affect the fit of the bridge or cause other problems. Patients may also need to relearn how to eat. They are generally encouraged to use both sides of the mouth to chew and to use the canine teeth and those behind them to bite, avoiding the use of the incisors.

Depending on the location of the bridge, patients may experience difficulty speaking clearly. This occurs when the size or shape of the mouth has changed due to the presence of the bridge. Patients may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds (e.g., “s” and “f” sounds). It may feel as though there is not enough room for the tongue, or that a person is speaking with a mouth full of marbles. This is usually a temporary condition as patients adjust to speaking with a dental appliance in the mouth. This may take a few weeks, although it can differ from patient to patient.