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One common question that comes up is about the situation of eating with a dental bridge. As you may know, dental bridges are a popular solution for missing teeth which restore the beauty of your smile and bring back the functionality of your teeth. This article dives into the issue and will answer the question: “What are the rules for dental bridges and eating?”
Can You Eat Normally with a Dental Bridge?
Yes, a dental bridge lets you eat all your favorite foods, but it might take a while to adjust. To start eating with a dental bridge, try out softer foods and gradually introduce harder foods as you get used to your bridge. You don’t want to put too much pressure on your new teeth.
Can You Eat with a Temporary Dental Bridge?
When eating with a temporary dental bridge, more caution is advised. Since temporary bridges aren’t as firmly anchored as permanent ones, it’s best to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods. During this time, you should eat softer foods.
What Can You Eat with a Dental Bridge?
After getting a dental bridge, you can enjoy a variety of foods but start with those that are easy on your teeth. Gradually, you can add more foods as you adjust to your bridge. Here’s a list of foods to start eating with a dental bridge:
Soft Fruits
- Bananas
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Peeled apples (cut into small pieces or grated)
- Avocado
- Peach slices (without the skin)
- Pears (soft and ripe)
Steamed Vegetables
- Carrots (steamed until soft)
- Broccoli (steamed to tenderness)
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Peas
Protein Sources
- Eggs (boiled, poached, or scrambled)
- Tofu (soft or silken)
- Fish (tender varieties like salmon tilapia)
- Chicken (cooked until tender, shredded, or cut into small pieces)
- Turkey (similarly prepared as chicken)
Grains and Carbohydrates
- Pasta (cooked until soft)
- Soft breads (without hard crusts)
- Rice (especially white rice as it’s softer)
- Quinoa (well-cooked)
- Oatmeal
Dairy
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Ice cream (without nuts or hard mix-ins)
Miscellaneous
- Soups (smooth, without large chunks)
- Smoothies (a great way to combine fruits and vegetables)
- Mashed potatoes
- Hummus
- Gelatin desserts
Drinks
- Water
- Milk
- Fruit juices (without pulp)
- Herbal teas
How Long After Getting a Dental Bridge Can You Eat?
Let’s see how long it takes for the dental bridge to settle. Don’t forget that during this period, you need to be particularly cautious about the foods you start eating with a dental bridge:
0-24 Hours After Procedure
To prevent accidental biting, you must avoid eating immediately after your procedure until the anesthesia fades. During the first 24 hours, choose liquids and soft foods like yogurt and smoothies.
24-72 Hours After Procedure
For the next 2 days, go for soft foods. Scrambled eggs and soft pasta are the best.
72 hours to 2 Weeks
During this period, you can slowly add regular foods back to your diet while avoiding hard or sticky items. Focus on balanced nutrition from easily chewable foods.
After 2 Weeks
After the initial 2 weeks, you can gradually return to a normal diet, staying mindful of hard or sticky foods and any discomfort.
What Foods to Avoid After Having a Tooth Bridge Fitted?
Be talked about the food you can eat when you start eating with a dental bridge. Now, let’s answer another question: “What should you avoid with a bridge?” Generally speaking, You must steer clear of hard foods for the first few weeks. Chewy bread or meats can also pose a risk to the integrity of your new bridge, especially if it’s temporary.
Here is a list of foods to avoid to keep your dental bridge in top condition:
Hard Foods
- Nuts and seeds (including sunflower seeds and almonds)
- Hard candies
- Ice cubes (chewing on them)
- Raw carrots (not finely grated)
- Apples and pears (if not cut into small pieces)
- Hard, crusty bread or baguettes
- Corn on the cob
Sticky Foods
- Caramel and toffee
- Gum
- Sticky candies like gummy bears or licorice
- Dried fruits (such as raisins and dates)
Crunchy Foods
- Popcorn (kernels can get lodged under the bridge)
- Chips and hard pretzels
- Raw vegetables like celery and radishes (unless cut into very small pieces)
- Granola
Chewy Foods
- Chewy breads, like bagels or some types of sourdough
- Chewy meat like steak or certain cuts of beef and pork that require more effort to chew
- Thick pizza crusts
Tips
- You should avoid biting your nails or opening packages with your teeth.
- You might have temperature sensitivity after getting a dental bridge, so be careful with extremely hot or cold foods.
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How Do I Keep Food from Getting Under My Bridge?
Dental bridges require meticulous oral hygiene to stay clean and free of trapped food particles. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food debris and plaque. Using floss threaders, you can effectively clean beneath your bridge and start eating with a dental bridge.
Another option is to use a water flosser to clean under and around the bridge. These devices use pulsating water to remove food and plaque. To kill any bacteria lurking around your bridge and other areas of your mouth, use an antiseptic mouthwash.
For professional cleaning and to keep your bridge and overall oral health in top shape, regular dental checkups are essential. Keep your dental bridge and the rest of your mouth healthy and clean by following these tips.
Can You Eat Popcorn with a Dental Bridge?
Eating popcorn with a dental bridge is not a good idea. It’s all about the kernels with popcorn. They can get stuck under the bridge. It can hurt your bridge and make your mouth feel uncomfortable. Sometimes, those tiny kernels can cause sore gums or other problems because they’re so tricky to get out. If you want your bridge to stay safe, it’s better to munch on something else other than popcorn.
Conclusion
While a dental bridge restores much of your tooth’s functionality, it does require some adjustments before you start eating with a dental bridge in your previous fashion, especially immediately after the procedure. By following the guidance outlined in this blog, you can ensure your bridge lasts a long time while still enjoying a varied and fulfilling diet. Always remember to check with a top-rated dental expert for advice that fits your needs.
FAQs
Can I bite an apple with a bridge?
It’s best to cut apples into smaller pieces rather than biting directly into them to protect your bridge.
Can I eat pizza with a dental bridge?
Yes, but be cautious with hard crusts.
Can I eat ice cream with a dental bridge?
Absolutely, ice cream is safe to eat with a dental bridge.
Can you eat chips with a bridge?
Soft chips are okay, but hard, crunchy ones should be eaten with caution.
Can I eat a burger with a dental bridge?
Yes, burgers are generally safe, but be mindful of the firmness of the bun.
Can you eat steak with a dental bridge?
Yes, but ensure the steak is tender and cut into small, manageable pieces.
