Dental crowns look and feel like real teeth, but are they maintained in the same way? Are there any special maintenance requirements for dental crowns? This quick guide explains how to care for dental crowns so you can preserve your smile.
How to Brush and Floss with a Dental Crown
Brushing and flossing with a dental crown is no different than cleaning your natural teeth. Floss once a day and brush two to three times per day. After consuming dark liquids or sugary foods, rinse out your mouth to reduce the risk of staining. For the most part, you can treat your artificial tooth much like the rest of your smile.
Protect Your Dental Crown with a Dental Implant
If you’re still in the early stages of getting a dental crown, you may have the option to get a dental implant or secure the crown to your natural tooth. Dental implants secure crowns directly to the jawbone, providing a much more stable base for the crown. This will extend the life of your dental crown and protect you jawbone at the same time. Dental implants also prevent gum recession and a variety of other issues. Talk to your dentist about an implant-backed dental crown.
Avoid Sticky Foods around the Crown
Your dental crown will be firmly bonded to the dental implant or tooth it’s attached to, but it is still subject to wear and tear. Avoid eating sticky foods around the crown, or perhaps you may want to bypass those foods altogether. Something like caramel may latch onto your crown and yank it, creating unnecessary pressure and extra wear. If you are going to eat something sticky, try localizing it to the other side of your smile.
See Your Dentist for Routine Checkups
You’ll still need teeth cleanings and oral exams twice per year, whether you have a crown or not. If you have an older crown that is starting to become problematic, your dentist may recommend additional appointments for monitoring. The goal is to catch signs of trouble as quickly as possible to minimize damage and expenses.
Use a Night Guard If You Grind Your Teeth
If you know you grind your teeth at night, it may be time to get a protective mouthguard. This will protect your teeth and your crown from wear. It’s also important to notice if you grind or clench your teeth throughout the day. Try to make yourself aware of these habits and stop them as often as possible.
Keep Hard Foods away from the Crown
Dental crowns don’t have the same “bounce” that natural teeth do. When you chew something hard, your natural teeth have a little bit of give to absorb the pressure. Crowns can’t do that, so they’re more susceptible to damage.
You should never chew on pencils, fingernails, pen caps, or anything else that is not food. If you’re eating something particularly crunchy, try to keep it on the side of your mouth that doesn’t have a crown.
Get Your Dental Crown Replaced, If Needed
If your dental crown is cracked, worn, or o longer functioning properly, it may be time for a replacement. Modern-day crowns can last for decades with proper care, but older models weren’t always built that durable. Age and dental history can also play a role in the longevity of a crown. With a new crown in place, you can safeguard the rest of your smile and chew with confidence.
Clinton Dental Center offers comprehensive dental services, including porcelain crowns, dental implant preparation, oral surgery, teeth cleanings, smile exams, and much more. We’d be happy to evaluate your current crown or get you fitted for a new one. Contact us at (586) 949-5363 to schedule a dental crown consultation.
