How to Take Care of Your Dental Crowns: Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Dental crowns are a common or familiar solution for restoring damaged teeth, enhancing their function and appearance. Proper care is essential to ensure your dental crowns last as long as possible. This guide provides practical tips for dental crown aftercare, helping you maintain your crowns in excellent condition for years. From understanding what dental crowns are and why you might need them to daily care routines and avoiding harmful habits, we will cover everything you need to know. Let’s dive into how to care for your dental crowns effectively.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over damaged or decayed teeth to reinstate their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They completely encase the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Porcelain and ceramic crowns offer a natural look, making them ideal for front teeth. Metal crowns, often crafted from gold or other alloys, are extremely durable and typically used for molars. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns blend the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.

Common Reasons for Getting Dental Crowns

Here are the common reasons for getting dental crowns:

• Decay or Damage: Crowns can cover and preserve a tooth that has been weakened by decay or breakage.
• Root Canal: Teeth on which root canal therapy has been done often require crowns to protect the remaining tooth structure.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can enhance the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
• Large Fillings: When a tooth has a large filling and not much natural tooth structure left, a crown can provide support.

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

• Upkeeping a good daily oral hygiene routine is pivotal for your natural teeth and dental crowns. Brushing and flossing are key practices that help prevent decay and gum disease, which can affect the longevity of your crowns. Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the crown’s surface, and brush your teeth twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed. Employ gentle circular motions to clean every crevice of your teeth and crowns thoroughly.
• Flossing daily is equally important. It eradicates plaque and food particles that brushing alone cannot reach. When flossing around crowned teeth, use proper techniques to avoid damaging the crown. Slide the floss gently in the space between your teeth, semi-wrapping it around the base of each tooth, including the crown. This practice helps maintain healthy gums and prevents decay around the crown’s margins.

Avoiding Harmful Habits

• Certain foods and drinks can negatively impact dental crowns and should be avoided to ensure their longevity. Sticky foods, including caramel and taffy, can pull on crowns and potentially dislodge them. Hard foods like nuts and ice can crack or damage the crown. Additionally, sugary beverages can contribute to plaque buildup and decay around the crown.
• To maintain dental crown protection, avoid habits including chewing ice or utilizing your teeth as tools to open packages. These practices can lead to fractures or loosening of the crown. Make a conscious effort to break these habits by chewing food slowly and using proper tools for tasks instead of your teeth.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

• Regular dental check-ups are indispensable for maintaining your crowns. Routine visits allow the dentist near you to oversee the condition of your crowns and address any possible issues early. During a check-up, your dentist will clean professionally to remove plaque and tartar that brushing may miss. The dentist will also examine your crowns for signs of wear, damage, or decay and ensure they fit correctly.
• Regular dental visits help maintain your crowns and ensure your overall oral health. Early detection of problems can save you from more extensive and costly treatments down the line. Aim to visit your dentist every six months or as suggested by your dental professional.

Addressing Dental Issues Promptly

• Handling dental issues as soon as they occur is crucial for preventing more severe problems. Early intervention can save your crowns and natural teeth from further damage. Be aware of signs that indicate issues with your crowns, such as pain or sensitivity around a crowned tooth, visible cracks or chips, and gum inflammation or redness. These symptoms warrant immediate attention from your local dentist.
• If you experience these signs, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. Prompt action can avert minor issues from escalating into major problems, ensuring that your dental crowns and overall oral health remain in good condition.

Using Protective Gear

• Wearing a mouthguard can significantly protect your dental crowns from damage, especially during high-impact activities. Mouthguards are beneficial for individuals who play sports, grind their teeth, or have other habits that might impact their dental work. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist in Phoenix will offer the best protection and comfort.
• If you grind your teeth, investing in a mouth guard can help protect crowns from excessive pressure that can lead to damage or loosening. Select a mouthguard that fits well and offers adequate coverage for your crowns. Consult your dentist for a properly fitted mouthguard tailored to your needs.

Managing Sensitivity and Discomfort

• Sensitivity around dental crowns can occur due to gum recession, improper fit, or decay. If you experience sensitivity, using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce discomfort. Additionally, avoid consuming very hot or cold foods and drinks, as these can exacerbate sensitivity.
• If sensitivity or discomfort persists, it is important to seek professional help. Your dentist can detect the cause of the issue and recommend appropriate treatments to alleviate your symptoms and ensure the health of your crowned teeth.

Proper Diet for Crown Longevity

• A balanced diet performs a very important role in maintaining your dental crowns and overall oral health. Foods replete with calcium, like dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, help strengthen your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, including apples, carrots, and celery, naturally clean your teeth and promote healthy gums.
• Staying hydrated is also crucial. Drinking an ample amount of water helps wash away food remnants and bacteria, maintaining a healthy environment for your crowns. A balanced diet combined with good hydration supports the long-lasting quality of your dental crowns and overall dental health.

Conclusion

Proper care is pivotal for the longevity of your dental crowns. Caring for dental crowns involves regular brushing and flossing, avoiding harmful habits, and visiting your dentist regularly. Address any issues promptly and use protective gear like mouthguards when needed. By following these tips, you can ensure your dental crowns remain in excellent condition for years. For personalized advice, consult with Brookstone Dental Care in Phoenix. Prioritize your dental health to enjoy a long-lasting, healthy smile.