Anyone else get squicked about cleaning under a bridge?

[bird]

I stopped by my dentist today since I was having pressure pain on one of my temp crowns (turns out there's a thin margin between the temp crown and the tooth, but it should be taken care of by the permanent) and she mentioned that I haven't been flossing underneath my bridge and that bacteria was starting to build, so I needed to be more diligent about it.

Getting the bridge was an abrupt decision for me; originally I was getting several crowns around there done, but when the dentist mentioned it would do nothing to fix my snaggle tooth in the front; it would still be crooked, even crowned. I told her that wasn't really a priority of mine, I just wanted to get healthy again. Then she offered to either root canal it (and fix the snaggle tooth slightly) or bridge it (and fix the snaggle tooth completely) by bridging it for free. Yes: she offered me either an RTC or a bridge for free. I went with the bridge since I've never had a straight smile in my life and that really excited me.

Maybe the abruptness of the decision (literally two days before the appt) is what feels weird, but I'm having a hard time comprehending that tooth is just not there. The idea of flossing between the gumline and the bridge really freaks me out and makes me uncomfortable. I know I have to -- I certainly want the transition from temp to perm crowns/bridge to be good -- but wow, it makes me feel anxious and a little sad.

Has anyone had experience with this? Any tips on first time bridge flossing? Is it easier to deal with when the permanents are in?

 

[carole]

I have a bridge that I had done years ago and I use interdental brushes under mine, I have never used floss under it. I also have a waterpik which I loved at first but then got bored with. I still get it out now and again as it does get right under the bridge and it easier to use than floss or brushes.

Has your dentist explained to you how to floss under the bridge properly, mine never did when I had it done so for some years I didn't realise I needed to treat it different to other teeth. I must have kept it clean though as it has always been okay and still is. You do need to know how to keep it healthy and clean under there so make sure you understand what you are meant to do with it.

Good luck