Dental bridges are a widely used method for replacing missing teeth and restoring smiles. Although they offer fantastic function and appearance, patients wonder about their eating habits afterward. Knowing what to eat, what to avoid, and how to care for your bridge will help it last longer and serve you better.
It may take some time to adjust to a dental bridge. Your dentist in Lethbridge will provide more involved instructions based on you and the type of bridge you have and your oral health. Following your dentist’s instructions will ensure you protect your investment and won’t feel discomfort while enjoying your meals.
How Soon Can You Eat Normally After a Dental Bridge?
After getting a Dental bridges in Lethbridge you should know that they are designed for strength, but your mouth needs a short adjustment period. Most patients can start eating soft foods immediately, while harder foods are introduced gradually. This transition helps prevent damage to the bridge or surrounding teeth.
What foods Should You Eat after Your Treatment?
Following the placement of your dental bridge, you’ll want to select food items that will assist with healing and reduce stress on your recently placed restoration. Some of the best foods to eat after getting a dental bridge include the following:
- Soft fruit, including bananas or peaches
- Cooked vegetables, including carrots, squash, and green beans
- Lean proteins, including eggs, fish, or tender chicken
- Smooth dairy, including yogurt and cottage cheese
- Soft grains, including oatmeal and well-cooked rice
These food items will help your mouth adjust to the new restoration while providing the appropriate nutrition for your oral health, with as little stress as possible on your new bridge.
What Foods to Avoid With a Dental Bridge?
To keep your dental bridge lasting longer, there are some foods to avoid, particularly in the first couple of days post placement:
- Hard candies or nuts
- Sticky foods such as caramel or chewing gum
- Tough meats and crusty bread
- Something excessively chewy, such as bagels or jerky
When you can avoid these foods, it helps avoid damaging or loosening your bridge.
Can You Chew Hard Food with a Permanent Dental Bridge?
Once a dentist near you confirms your bridge is securely set and your gums have healed, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods. Begin with small bites and chew evenly on both sides of your mouth to distribute pressure. Over time, most patients can enjoy their usual diet with caution.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge After Meals?
It is important to care for your bridge to avoid plaque buildup, decay, or irritation of the gums around the bridge. Below are some helpful tips:
- Brush the bridge and surrounding teeth at least twice a day.
- Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath the bridge.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash (i.e., Listerine) to reduce bacteria.
- Avoid biting directly into very hard foods with your bridge.
Your bridge will remain functional and intact for many years if you follow the above steps.
What Can You Change in Your Diet for Comfort and Effective Lasting Oral Health?
Making a temporary change in diet can help protect your dental bridge and provide a comfortable healing process. Reintroducing harder foods little by little, as your dentist in Lethbridge has recommended, will give your mouth time to adapt without fear. In most cases, after some time, patients are once again able to enjoy their favourite meals safely.
Enjoy Your Favourite Foods Safely Again!
Want to learn how to care for your dental bridge and save a smile? Book an appointment with Absolute Dental today to learn how the care and maintenance of your bridge works and how to enjoy your food safely! Our experienced team will walk you through all the details of caring for your dental restoration every step of the way.
FAQS
How long after a dental bridge can you eat normally?
Most patients can return to eating soft foods right away, and the more challenging foods can generally be left a few days to a week prior.
Which food should you avoid with a dental bridge?
You want to avoid sticky, hard or chewy foods (caramel, nuts or tough meats) to avoid potential damage and/or loosening of the bridge.
What is the proper way to care for your dental bridge after eating?
You will want to brush carefully, floss with a threader, and rinse with mouthwash to make sure plaque does not build up and consequently decay.
Will having a bridge in your mouth affect your ability to enjoy certain foods?
In the beginning, yes, but if you take care of your mouth and ease back into your foods with caution, you should be able to enjoy most of your foods safely.