A dental crown is a custom-made cap that protects a damaged tooth. With the right care, it can last for many years. Even though crowns are made from strong materials like porcelain or metal, they aren’t unbreakable. Taking good care of your crown is the best way to make sure it stays in great condition and keeps your whole mouth healthy.
Keeping Your Crown Strong: Simple Steps for Daily Care
A dental crown is like a protective helmet for a tooth that was damaged or had a large cavity. Once it’s on, your job is to take care of it so it lasts for many years. Keeping your crown in great shape is easy when you know a few simple steps.
Keep Up with Your Daily Cleaning Routine
Just because a crown can’t get a cavity doesn’t mean the tooth underneath is completely safe. The spot where the crown meets your real tooth is a place where germs and food can get stuck. That’s why brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is so important. Fluoride keeps the natural part of your tooth strong and healthy.
Flossing might seem like a small thing, but it’s a big deal for a crowned tooth. It cleans the tight spaces between your teeth and right under the edge of the crown where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you skip flossing, plaque can build up and lead to a cavity on the tooth under the crown.
Using an antibacterial mouthwash for about 30 seconds each day can also help. It acts like a backup cleaner, washing away any germs that your brushing and flossing might have missed.
Watch Out for Problem Foods
Your crown is tough, but it’s not unbreakable. Some foods can cause trouble. Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gum can actually pull on the crown and might loosen it over time.
Hard foods are another thing to be careful with. Biting down directly on hard candy, ice, or popcorn kernels can crack or chip a crown, even one made from strong materials.
You should also pay attention to sugary drinks and snacks. While the crown itself won’t be harmed by sugar, the sugar can attack the real tooth at the crown’s edge and the teeth next to it. Drinking plenty of water helps rinse away food and sugar. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is also great for your whole mouth because they can help clean your teeth as you chew.
Break Habits That Can Cause Damage
Some everyday habits can be hard on your crown. If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), you’re putting a lot of extra pressure on them. This can wear down both your teeth and your crown.
Your dentist can make you a custom night guard if you have bruxism. This is a comfortable mouthpiece you wear while you sleep that acts like a cushion to protect your teeth.
You should also try not to use your teeth as tools. Biting your fingernails, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to rip open a package can all cause a chipped crown or a cracked tooth. So use your teeth for chewing food, and nothing else!
Don’t Skip Your Dental Check-ups
Seeing your dentist regularly is a key part of making your crown last. At these appointments, your dentist does more than just clean your teeth. They’ll carefully check your crown for any tiny cracks or signs of wear that you might not see. They also take X-rays sometimes, which lets them see if there is any decay hiding underneath the crown or around the root.
If you ever feel like the crown is loose, notice a change in how it feels when you bite, or feel new sensitivity, don’t wait for your next check-up. Call your dentist and let them know what’s happening. Catching a small problem early often means a quicker and easier fix.
Listen to What Your Crown is Telling You
Your crown should feel comfortable and normal after the first few days, just like your other teeth. It’s important to pay attention to how it feels. If you suddenly notice it feels “off” when you bite down, or if it feels wiggly, that’s a sign that you should get it checked out. Sometimes the special glue that holds the crown on can wear down, or the crown itself can get worn down from use.
By noticing these small changes, you can prevent bigger problems later on. Taking care of your crown is all about teamwork between you and your dentist. By following these simple steps, you’re making a smart investment in your smile’s future.
Is Your Old Crown at The End of Its Life?
At Orchard Hill Dental, your oral health is our top priority in Hendersonville. If you have an old dental crown that’s causing you issues, or need a new crown, visit Dr. Jessica Christy. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your restorative treatment options.