How to Care for Your Dental Crown: 9 Essential Tips

Dental crowns are a great option to restore damaged teeth, enhance your smile, and improve oral functionality. To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dental crown, it’s essential to take proper care of it. At Main Line Dental Health and Wellness in Bryn Mawr, PA, we’ve compiled nine essential tips to help you maintain your dental crown.”

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for the well-being of your dental crown and neighboring teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is recommended. Pay special attention to the area around your crown to prevent decay and gum disease.

2. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Hard and sticky foods can damage your dental crown or cause it to become dislodged. Avoid chewing on hard candies, ice, and nuts, and avoid sticky foods like caramel and taffy. These foods can stress your crown unnecessarily, leading to potential damage or detachment.

3. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentler on your dental crown and gums. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can cause abrasion and wear on your crown, reducing its lifespan. Brush gently in circular motions to effectively clean your teeth and crown without causing damage.

4. Floss Gently Around the Crown

While flossing is essential, it’s also important to be gentle around your dental crown. Use a slow and careful motion to avoid dislodging the crown or irritating the gum tissue. Consider using a water flosser or interdental brushes for a more comfortable and effective cleaning experience around your crown.

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5. Wear a Nightguard if You Grind Your Teeth

If you grind your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, wearing a nightguard can prevent excessive wear and tear on the crown. Grinding can cause significant damage to both natural teeth and crowns. A custom-fitted nightguard from your dentist will provide a protective barrier, ensuring the longevity of your crown.

6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular visits are crucial for ensuring the longevity of your dental crown. Your dentist can monitor the restoration, identify potential issues early, and provide professional cleaning to keep your crown and surrounding teeth in optimal condition. Aim to visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine

check-ups and cleanings.

7. Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

Using your teeth to open packages, tear off tags, or perform other non-food-related tasks can damage your dental crown. Always use appropriate tools for these tasks to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your teeth and crown. Using your teeth as tools can lead to chipping, cracking, or dislodging your crown.

8. Rinse with an Antibacterial Mouthwash

Using an antibacterial mouthwash as a rinse can help lower oral bacteria, guard against infections, and maintain good oral hygiene. Select a mouthwash containing fluoride to strengthen both your teeth and crown. Incorporate mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine to maintain a healthy mouth environment.

9. Take Note of Changes or Discomfort

Pay attention to any changes or discomfort around your dental crown. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience pain or sensitivity or notice the crown is loose. Early detection and treatment of any issues can prevent more significant problems and ensure the longevity of your crown.

Taking proper care of your dental crown is essential for maintaining its function and appearance. By following these nine essential tips, you can ensure your crown remains in excellent condition for years. If you have concerns about your dental crown or need to schedule a check-up, call us at (610) 947-5566.

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