A member asked:

What is the best way to floss a bridge? i have a temporary dental bridge that's covering two missing teeth, and am wondering what is the best way to floss it? my dentist gave me this this that's supposed to thread the floss through, but i don't feel like

21 doctors weighed in across 14 answers
Dr. G Funari answered

It : It sounds like what your dentist has given you a floss threader. This is an aid to get the floss under the bridge. I recommend a wider waxed floss for use under bridges to better cover all the surfaces. There are not many aids to assist in this procedure. If you feel that you are not getting things cleaned, talk to your dentist.

Answered 10/3/2016

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Dr. Tony Chammas answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

I : I agree/a proxybrush (also known as interproximal brush) would help a lot. I would also add 'waterpik' which also can also come with a 'flosser' attachement (check it out online). Cheers.

Answered 10/3/2016

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Dr. Alan Zweig answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

There : There is a product called a 'proxybrush.' it is a handle with a bristle brush on the end. You can use that to get between the teeth on the bridge, and get the plaque out. Use it with e floss because this will not get under the false tooth to clean. Alternatively, you could use a pipe cleaner.

Answered 10/4/2016

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Use it: The floss threader is the best way to clean under the bridge. Failure to keep bridge will result in it needing to be replaced in a short period of time.

Answered 11/28/2017

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Dr. Louis Sterling answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

Depends: It's important to clean around and under a cemented in bridge. Regular floss is ok on each side of the bridge. Either a "floss threader" or special floss with a caterpillar-like area (super-floss) is needed to fit and clean under the pontics (false teeth). It takes some more work and some practice, but it's worth the time.

Answered 6/15/2014

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Dr. Cary Goldstein answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

He is correct: You are supposed to thread that under your bridge and gently rub it on the areas near the gums. Pull up a u tube video on it or ask your dentist for a lesson, they should have explained and demonstrated it for you.

Answered 3/27/2013

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Several ways: There are several ways to floss or clean in and around both temporary and permanent dental bridges. I would follow the recommendations of your own dentist who can suggest what is best for your particular circumstances. Sometimes the temporary bridge might have to be recontoured in order to facilitate this. If you are having a problem with this, let your dentist know and help you. Just ask.

Answered 4/2/2022

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Floss threaders : The two best items are floss threaders, essentially a plastic flexible device that looks like a large sweing needle or superfloss which has a stiff plastic end followed by very fuzzy floss that looks like a pipe cleaner. It is very important to floss under all of fixed bridges after every meal using whichever of the device works best for you. This is in addition to routine brushing.

Answered 8/4/2013

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Thread floss: This is not as important as making sure you can clean everything properly when the permanent bridge is placed. Make sure your dentist shows you how.

Answered 3/28/2013

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Proxa brush?superflo: Proxabrush or super floss will make easier to keep yor bridge clean. Ther are many dental products to support hygiene undera bridge. Ask yourdentist for alternatives or check pharmacy. Ask your hygienist.

Answered 9/3/2013

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Dr. John Thaler answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

Floss: Use a floss threader topass floss under pontics (missing tooth replacements) then floss against the teeth as you normally would. Super or ultra floss also is popular because it is threadable on one end and spongy on the other. A waterpik is also helpful, but may wash out the temporary cement. Good for the final one , though.

Answered 6/26/2018

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Dr. Joseph Greenberg answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

Interdental brushes: Interdental brushes and cleaning devices like proxi brush, go betweens, soft pics, are more effective than floss. Look for these butler products at your pharmacy.

Answered 4/4/2013

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Dr. Maryam Chiani answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Flossing: For flossing a bridge you will need to use a floss threader or a super floss. You can also use soft picks. All are sold at the pharmacies.

Answered 9/13/2013

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Dr. Paul Grin answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Waterpik Flosser: It helps clean under the bridge and around crowns where bacteria and food can accumulated. You also can use a traditional floss threader. Take care.

Answered 2/6/2015

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Should the dentist clean and floss your teeth before an x-ray?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers