How to Care the Best for Your Dental Crowns: Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Dental crowns, or teeth caps, play an important role in restoring the shape, size, and strength of damaged teeth. They not only improve the appearance of your smile but also protect the tooth underneath. Taking good care of your dental crowns ensures they last for years and prevent any unnecessary complications. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your crowns and oral health in great condition.

1. 1. Daily Care for Dental Crowns

Your dental crowns need regular care, just like natural teeth. Brushing and flossing play an important role in maintaining the health of both the crown and the surrounding gum tissue.

1. 1. 1. Brush gently around your crown: To protect the crown’s surface, gently brush with a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard brushing can cause wear, especially with porcelain teeth. Always brush at least twice a day.
      2. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste: Abrasive toothpaste can scratch or dull the surface of the crown. Stick to a mild, non-abrasive option to ensure your crowns stay smooth and shiny.
      3. Floss regularly: Crowns fit closely to your gum line, so it’s important to floss to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to floss carefully around the crown to prevent any damage or loosening.
      4. Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash: To reduce the risk of gum disease around the crown, rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash. It will help keep your mouth clean and minimize any buildup that could impact your crown.

These steps will not only protect your crowns but also maintain your overall oral health.

1. 1. Foods and Habits to Avoid

Certain foods and habits can damage or even dislodge your dental crowns. Being mindful of what you eat and how you use your teeth is essential for the longevity of your crowns.

1. 1. 1. Avoid hard and sticky foods: Hard candies, nuts, and sticky snacks like caramel can crack or loosen crowns. Sticky foods might also pull the crown off. Stick to softer foods when possible, especially in the days following your crown placement.
      2. Stay away from bad habits: Utilizing your teeth to open packets or packages or biting your nails can put stress on your crowns. Over time, this can weaken or damage them. Break these habits to protect both your natural teeth and your crowns.
      3. Guard against grinding and clenching: If you regularly grind your teeth at night, it may wear down your crowns. Try using a night guard to protect both your crowns and your natural teeth from this wear and tear. Grinding, known as bruxism, is one of the leading causes of crown damage.

By avoiding these foods and habits, you’ll be helping your crowns last longer and reducing the risk of costly repairs.

1. 1. Regular Dental Checkups

Even with great at-home care, it’s crucial to see your dentist regularly to ensure your crowns are in good condition.

1. 1. 1. Spot potential issues early: During routine checkups, your dentist will check the fit and integrity of your crowns. They can spot small issues, like cracks or loose crowns before they become bigger problems. It helps prevent more significant damage and keeps your crowns for teeth in top shape.
      2. Professional cleanings: Regular cleanings by your dental hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar that brushing and flossing may miss. It is especially important around the edges of the crown, where bacteria can hide.
      3. Consult your dentist if you feel discomfort: If you notice any pain or discomfort around a crown, don’t wait until your next checkup. Call your dentist immediately to address the issue before it worsens.

Keeping up with your dental appointments will not only help your crowns last longer but also keep your gums and surrounding teeth healthy.

1. 1. Dealing with Potential Problems

Even with the best care, problems can arise with your dental crowns. Knowing how to deal with them can help you save time, pain, and money.

1. 1. 1. What to do if a crown becomes loose: If you feel your crown loosening, don’t ignore it. Contact your dentist right away. A loose crown can let bacteria in, which might lead to decay or infection under the crown. Until you see your dentist, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
      2. Handling crown-related pain: Mild sensitivity is normal after getting a crown, but if the pain persists, it could be a sign of something more serious, like an infection or misalignment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help temporarily, but schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
      3. Dealing with minor sensitivity: If your crown is causing slight sensitivity to hot or cold, consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. It can help ease the discomfort until you can get to the dentist.

These quick steps will help you manage any minor issues with your crowns, but when in doubt, always consult your dentist for advice.

Conclusion

Caring for your dental crowns is simple, but it requires regular attention. From daily brushing and flossing to avoiding harmful foods and habits, these tips will help you keep your crowns—and your smile—in top condition. Regular dental checkups are essential to spotting any potential issues early, ensuring your crowns last for years.

Want to Keep Your Crowns in Great Shape? Book an Appointment Today!

Maintaining your dental crowns in Sharon, MA, is easy with the right care. To ensure your crowns stay in perfect condition, book an appointment with Sharon Dental Group today. Our team is here to help you protect your crowns and enjoy a healthy smile for years.