4 Care Tips For Your Dental Crown

A dental crown, also called a dental cap, completely covers or caps a missing or damaged tooth. Sometimes, a dental crown is needed when a cavity poses a threat to a person’s health. There are many different types of dental crowns on the market today. Depending on your choice and comfort level with prosthetics, you can choose a temporary crown or a permanent one. Temporary crowns are recommended for those who need an immediate or emergency dental fix.

Permanent dental crowns can benefit you both in form and function. Most people choose to get porcelain crowns as they’re durable and look better than their less expensive counterparts. However, there are also metal crowns available that can help protect against cavities, too. Generally, a permanent dental crown procedure only takes a few visits to the dentist, who’ll suggest a suitable prosthesis for you.

Dental crowns can be custom-made to fit you perfectly, making them a solid investment. Your dentist can explain well the benefits and drawbacks of different types of dental crowns to make an informed decision.

Caring For Your Dental Crown: 4 Simple Tips To Keep In Mind

Taking care of your dental crowns is key to preventing their deterioration. Your dentist should explain what you need to do to keep them looking their best. Here are simple tips on how you can adequately take care of these precious tooth covers:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

You can do several things if you want to maintain the beauty of your dental crowns. These tips are essential, and will help you keep your high quality dental crowns in their best form:

• Brush at least twice a day: You should brush at least two times a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing your teeth is the first step to maintaining good oral hygiene.
• Keep gums healthy: Swollen or inflamed gums will make the base of your crown weak and prone to infection. The importance of healthy gums can’t be overemphasized. Good oral hygiene practices help prevent tooth decay and plaque, which are made when bacteria build up on the teeth, between the teeth, and along the gum line. If you notice any sign of oral infections or symptoms of bleeding gums, see your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner gum problems are treated, the less likely they’ll get worse.
• Floss regularly: Flossing removes food particles that may have gotten caught between the teeth. This dental hygiene practice will help eliminate any buildup of tartar and bacteria.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash: To clean your teeth and gums properly, always rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing and flossing. It’s a good idea to use mouthwash at least once each day, preferably before bedtime.

2. Kick Bad Habits

Some bad dental habits, like teeth grinding or nail-biting, cause the deterioration of dental crowns. Regular teeth can be damaged by misusing them; dental crowns aren’t any different. It would be best if you made an effort to avoid habits that can chip, fracture, or weaken them. Opening a bag of chips, chewing on a pencil, or using your teeth as a tool can hurt your gums, damage your dental crown, as well as your regular teeth.

Cigarette smoking reduces a person’s overall oral health. Frequent alcohol consumption also diminishes oral health. If you smoke or drink alcohol, it’s best to minimize or stop altogether.

3. Watch The Foods That You Eat

Your diet plays a vital role in maintaining the condition of your dental crowns. There are some foods that you should avoid, including:

• Hard and sticky foods, like candies, dried fruit, cookies, and junk food, can hurt your dental crowns. Very chewy foods can damage your crown. Chewing on ice may seem harmless, but doing so can impair your tooth.
• It would help if you’re careful not to eat foods with high acid contents.
• You also need to limit your intake of sugary foods because they contribute significantly to discoloration. It would help a lot if you could reduce your consumption of coffee, tea, and wine.

4. See Your Dentist Regularly

Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep your crowns clean. You’ll find that there are stubborn bits of food or remains in between the teeth, so you’ll need the help of your dentist to remove them. It’s essential to have your dentist clean them every six months or so, using an instrument called a soft-bristled toothbrush and specially-formulated cleaning solution.

When it’s time to check on your crowns, your dentist will be able to examine them under a magnifier lens and make necessary adjustments. Your dentist can also instruct you on the proper procedures and materials to use and help you make the right choices when caring for your smile. Be sure to follow their advice!

Takeaway

Improperly cared for crowns can become cracked or broken, making it impossible to clean properly, and can also pose a health risk to you. Dental crowns are relatively easy to take care of. After brushing, floss well and see your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning. As long as you maintain proper dental hygiene, you can keep them looking their best.