Cleaning around a dental bridge every day can help to prevent dental decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, many people find it impossible to slide dental floss under their bridge to clean away plaque. These tools can make flossing around dental bridges much easier.

1. Floss Threader

A floss threader is a needle-shaped device made from flexible plastic. To use a floss threader, you simply need to place the eye of the needle under the bridge and then thread the floss through it. You can then pull the threader to move the floss underneath your dental bridge. Slide the floss back and forth to remove traces of food and plaque.

2. Interdental Brush

Another option for cleaning around dental bridges is to use an interdental brush. These devices look like tiny toothbrushes and are a good alternative to flossing for people who find using a floss threader too fiddly.

Interdental brushes come in several sizes. If space is very tight around your dental bridge, you might find it easiest to start with the smallest size available.

To use an interdental brush, simply push the brush into the gap between your dental bridge and your gum. The wire that runs along the centre of the brush is flexible, so you should be able to gently guide it into all the gaps to clean away plaque and traces of food. Wash the brush every time you pull it away from your teeth to avoid spreading bacteria around different parts of your mouth. If you like, you can clean all your teeth with an interdental brush instead of using waxed string dental floss.

3. Water Flosser

A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, is a device that uses high-pressure jets of water to clean between teeth and around the gum line. Although much more expensive to buy than a packet of interdental brushes or floss threaders, a water flosser is a tool you can use for many years to supplement your oral hygiene routine.

To use a water flosser, simply turn on the device and aim the high-pressure water jet at your gum line. Slowly move the jet around your mouth, taking particular care around your dental bridge. The water will drive plaque and food traces from the tiny gaps between teeth and gums that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Whichever method you use to clean your dental bridge, be sure to make it part of your daily dental hygiene routine. Regularly removing plaque can cut your risk of cavities and gum disease, therefore helping to keep your smile healthy.