How to Care for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a convenient way to restore your smile and repair teeth damaged by cavities. Keeping your crowns looking great requires a bit of maintenance on your part. Here are some of the things you should do to keep your crowns beautiful.

Brush Regularly

Just as with your natural teeth, your crowns should be brushed regularly. Crowns can help to prevent your teeth from decaying further, but that protection does not extend to your roots. Your dentist may prescribe a fluoride gel and rinse to keep the roots of your teeth safe. Flossing is also important to your oral health, so be sure to continue flossing when you brush.

Avoid Hard Foods

Crowns are typically made out of ceramic, which can be susceptible to cracking or breaking if not cared for properly. Avoid hard foods and chewing ice to keep your crowns in good shape, and refrain from other chewing habits that might damage a tooth. This includes chewing on fingernails or pen caps.

Floss with Water

Water flossers can make it easy to remove food that gets stuck near the edge of the crown. If you have a fixed bridge connected by two crowns, there may be just enough of a gap where the food can get stuck. A water flosser can work to flush out the food particles and keep the gum area clean. If you notice a gap where food continues to get stuck, be sure to contact your dentist to help reduce the gap and provide a better fit for your bridge.   

Visit Your Dentist

Regular cleanings and checkups are important, so be sure you keep up with your regular appointments. Your dentist will inspect the crowns to ensure they are still properly in place and that no cement has washed away, as that can cause the crowns to become loose. Your dentist will also be able to repair any damage, such as a chip or crack, that has occurred. Remember that it is still possible to develop a cavity, gum disease, or other oral health problems even with a crown. This is why it's important to care for your crowns just as carefully as you would care for your natural teeth. Regular cleanings and daily dental care at home can help to keep your crown looking great. Be sure to ask your dentist if you have any questions about caring for your crown, and use this guide to keep your smile looking bright and beautiful for many years to come.  


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