{"id":129,"date":"2020-02-20T18:09:46","date_gmt":"2020-02-20T18:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/?p=129"},"modified":"2025-06-17T05:46:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T05:46:30","slug":"dental-bridge-can-the-teeth-supporting-them-get-cavities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/20\/dental-bridge-can-the-teeth-supporting-them-get-cavities\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask a Dentist: Can the Teeth That Support a Dental Bridge Get Cavities?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-130\" src=\"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3D-digital-image-of-a-dental-bridge-on-the-lower-back-teeth-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"3D digital image of a dental bridge on the lower back teeth\" width=\"343\" height=\"257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3D-digital-image-of-a-dental-bridge-on-the-lower-back-teeth-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3D-digital-image-of-a-dental-bridge-on-the-lower-back-teeth-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3D-digital-image-of-a-dental-bridge-on-the-lower-back-teeth-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/3D-digital-image-of-a-dental-bridge-on-the-lower-back-teeth.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 343px) 100vw, 343px\" \/>If you\u2019re one of the millions of Americans who have lost a tooth, a dental bridge is a wonderful solution because it restores both the appearance and function of your smile. But, like any dental work, a bridge is an investment that you want to last as long as possible. Fortunately, a bridge can last 10 to 15 years or more! But one common question is, \u201cCan the teeth that support my dental bridge get cavities?\u201d In this blog, you\u2019ll get the answer to that question and learn about the various problems that can cause a bridge to fail. You\u2019ll also get great tips for maintaining your bridge to help it last many years.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>What Causes a Dental Bridge To Fail?<\/h2>\n<p>A bridge relies on having two healthy teeth on either side for support. But, just like regular teeth, these teeth can develop cavities and gum problems. If that happens, the bridge usually has to be removed to treat the issue and then replaced with a new restoration.<\/p>\n<p>Other potential problems include clenching and grinding or chewing on ice or hard candies, all of which can put a bridge at risk for breaking.<\/p>\n<h2>How Can You Make Your Dental Bridge Last?<\/h2>\n<p>One of the biggest reasons that a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/dental-crowns.html\">dental bridge<\/a> develops cavities or gum problems is that plaque and food gets trapped underneath. Here\u2019s how to counteract that and prevent your bridge from failing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Maintain good oral hygiene at home<\/strong> \u2013 Make sure to brush at least twice a day and focus on the gumline around your bridge. You should also use tools like floss threaders, interdental brushes or oral irrigators to clean underneath your bridge.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use extra topical fluoride<\/strong> \u2013 Using a fluoride mouthwash from the store or asking a dentist for a prescription-strength toothpaste is a great way to prevent cavities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch your habits <\/strong>\u2013 Be mindful when you\u2019re eating hard, crunchy foods like nuts and seeds and be sure to avoid chewing on ice or hard candies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Schedule regular checkups<\/strong> \u2013 Seeing a restorative dentist regularly is the best way to make sure any issues are found and treated <strong>before<\/strong> they cause your bridge to fail.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wear a nightguard if necessary <\/strong>\u2013 A nightguard won\u2019t prevent you from clenching and grinding, but it will protect both your natural teeth and your bridge from damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The better you maintain your bridge, the longer you\u2019re likely to keep it. And with these tips, it couldn\u2019t be easier!<\/p>\n<h2>About the Author<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/meet-our-dentists.html\">Dr. Douglas Wright<\/a> is a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist with 35 years of experience. His goal is to help his patients maintain their dental work over the long-term, so he always provides tips and tricks to keep everything in great shape. If you\u2019d like to know more about caring for a dental bridge or have any questions, he can be reached via his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/contact-us.html\">website.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re one of the millions of Americans who have lost a tooth, a dental bridge is a wonderful solution because it restores both the appearance and function of your smile. But, like any dental work, a bridge is an investment that you want to last as long as possible. Fortunately, a bridge can last [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ask a Dentist: Can the Teeth That Support a Dental Bridge Get Cavities?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you have a dental bridge? 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