Dental crowns are an essential part of modern dentistry. Dentists use dental crowns to restore teeth damaged by decay, fractures, or other damage. Crowns can also replace missing teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.
Dental crowns are a great way to protect and strengthen your teeth, and they can last for many years with proper care. Taking care of your dental crowns is essential to preserving their quality and longevity.
Here are five tips for taking care of your dental crowns.
1. Brush and Floss Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth and flossing around your crowns will help to remove plaque and food particles that can build up and cause decay. While your dental crown is impervious to rot, your gums and remaining teeth below it are not.
If the remaining tooth below it rots, your dental crown will not have anything to anchor to, which could cause it to come loose or fall out. Regular brushing and flossing will help to ensure that your gums and teeth stay healthy and your dental crown stays in place.
2. Avoid Hard Foods
Chewing on hard foods like ice or hard candy can damage your crowns or cause them to become loose. While crowns are incredibly durable, they are not indestructible.
Chewing on hard foods can cause a crown to become loose or crack, leading to further damage to the underlying tooth and may require crown replacement. Chipping and breaking of the edges of the crown can also occur.
3. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Taking care of crowns is essential to ensure they remain in good condition and last as long as possible. Regular visits to your dentist are the key to achieving this.
At your dental appointment, your dentist will check the condition of your crowns and surrounding teeth. They will look for any signs of decay, damage, or wear. Your dentist will provide the necessary treatment if they find any signs of damage, rot, or wear.
Your dentist may also take X-rays to check for any underlying problems. If your crowns are appropriately fitted, your dentist may suggest a professional cleaning to remove plaque or tartar build-up. This helps to keep your crowns clean and prevent any future problems.
4. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
When you use your teeth to open packages or bottles, you put a lot of pressure on them. This can cause a lot of wear and tear, which can cause your crowns to become loose or damaged. Not only that, but the pressure can also cause your teeth to become chipped or cracked. In some cases, this can even lead to tooth loss.
Using your teeth to open packages or bottles can also damage the enamel of your teeth. The enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth, which is essential for protecting them from decay and infection. When you put so much pressure on your teeth, it can wear away the enamel. This can lead to sensitivity and make your teeth more vulnerable to decay.
5. Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Excessive teeth grinding can cause your crowns to become loose or damaged. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard.
Conclusion
Taking care of your dental crowns is essential for your dental health and overall well-being. With proper care and maintenance, your crowns can last for many years. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, see your dentist for regular checkups, and avoid grinding your teeth. Also, avoiding foods and drinks that can stain or damage your crowns is essential. With the proper care, your dental crowns can stay strong and healthy for years.
Do you have tooth pain at night? Let the best dentists in Waterford handle it right away. We offer dental crowns, Invisalign fitting, denture replacements, and more. Contact us today to book an appointment.