Caring for Your Dental Crown: 5 Tips to Make It Last

Getting dental crowns in Leduc, AB, is a significant step toward restoring your smile, functionality, and confidence. Whether it’s protecting a damaged tooth or improving aesthetics, your dental crown means a lot to your oral health. However, like any dental treatment, it needs proper care to stay in great shape. 

Here, we’ve compiled five essential tips to help you maintain and prolong the life of your dental crown.

1. Keep Up With Daily Oral Hygiene

A strong oral hygiene routine is essential for keeping your crown and the surrounding teeth healthy. While the crown itself cannot decay, the tooth underneath and surrounding gum tissue can still be affected by plaque buildup.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should pay special attention to the area where the crown meets your gums, as this is where plaque tends to accumulate. Don’t forget to floss at least once daily. If traditional floss is tricky to use around your crown, try floss threaders or water flossers to clean the hard-to-reach places.

By maintaining good oral hygiene, you’re not just protecting the crown but promoting overall dental health as well.

2. Be Mindful of What You Eat

Your diet plays a vital role in the longevity of your dental crown. While most crowns are designed to handle normal chewing, certain foods can strain or chip the material. Avoid biting down on hard items like ice, hard candies, or nuts as these may damage your crown or loosen it. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum could also pull at the crown, increasing the risk of it becoming dislodged.

In addition, reduce the intake of sugary and acidic foods, as they can harm the underlying tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Stick to a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium to support the health of your teeth and gums.

3. Avoid Damaging Habits

Sometimes, damage to a dental crown isn’t caused by diet but by certain habits. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common culprit that can wear down or crack crowns over time. If you suspect you grind your teeth, especially during sleep, talk to your dentist about getting a custom nightguard. This wearable device will protect both your natural teeth and your crown.

Similarly, avoid using your teeth as tools for opening packages, biting nails, or holding objects. These habits can place unnecessary stress on your dental crown, increasing the risk of cracks or loosening.

4. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

Routine dental visits are key to monitoring the condition of your crown and overall dental health. Your dentist will examine the crown to ensure it remains intact and is fitting correctly. They’ll also check the health of the underlying tooth, gums, and adjacent teeth.

Professional cleanings every six months are recommended to remove any stubborn plaque or tartar that can’t be addressed with daily brushing and flossing. If you’ve had your crown for several years, your dentist might also discuss whether it’s time to consider replacing it due to natural wear and tear.

5. Address Issues Promptly

If you notice any discomfort, sensitivity, or mobility in your crowned tooth, don’t ignore it. Pain or sensitivity could indicate issues like decay in the underlying tooth, a loose crown, or even problems with your bite alignment. The sooner these issues are addressed, the less likely they’ll escalate into costly or invasive treatments.

Similarly, if your crown becomes chipped or completely dislodged, contact your dentist immediately. Reattaching or repairing the crown promptly will not only restore its function but also protect the tooth underneath from damage and infection.

Conclusion

A dental crown is an investment in your oral health, and taking care of it responsibly ensures you get the most out of it. By brushing and flossing daily, eating mindfully, avoiding harmful habits, visiting your dentist regularly, and addressing problems early, your crown can last for years while protecting your smile.

Remember, crowns may be durable, but they aren’t indestructible. So, treat them with care, and they’ll continue to serve you well. Do you have specific concerns about your crown? Don’t hesitate to contact your dental professional for personalized advice!