A dental crown is a cap that fixes a damaged tooth. It makes your tooth strong again, lets you chew normally, and improves your smile. You might have a crown because of a cavity, a root canal, or an implant. Taking good care of it is the best way to make it last a long time.
Keeping your crown in good shape is simple and works a lot like taking care of your natural teeth. Learn about the best ways to take care of your new crown below.
Ways to Keep Your Dental Crown in The Best Shape
Establishing a Strong Oral Hygiene Routine
Taking great care of your mouth is one of the best things you can do for your new crown. Even though the crown itself can’t get a cavity, the real tooth underneath it still can. Germs and plaque can build up right where the crown meets your gum.
This can cause gum disease or a cavity under the crown. To prevent this, brush your teeth two times a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It’s just as important to floss every day. Pay special attention to the area around the crown to remove anything your brush can’t reach.
Being Gentle While Cleaning
Your crown is strong, but you should still be gentle when you clean it. Stay away from rough tools or gritty toothpaste that could scratch it. You should also avoid using whitening toothpastes on the crown. They might make it look a different color over time.
Be careful when you floss around it. Using a water flosser or a small interdental brush is a gentler and easier way to keep the area clean without causing damage.
Avoiding Damaging Habits
Some everyday habits can be hard on your crown. Biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as a tool can put too much pressure on it and cause it to crack or chip. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you could also be damaging your crown without knowing it.
If bruxism is a habit of yours, talk to Dr. Stein about getting a custom night guard. Wearing one while you sleep can protect your crown and all your teeth.
Watching What You Eat
You don’t have to change your entire diet, but it’s smart to be a little careful. Very sticky or extremely hard foods could loosen or damage your crown, especially right after you get it. Try not to always chew on just one side of your mouth or bite down directly on hard foods with your crowned tooth. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins also helps your gums stay strong, which is important for supporting your crown.
Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
Going to the dentist for regular checkups is very important for keeping your crown in good shape. At these visits, Dr. Stein will clean your teeth and carefully check the crown for any problems you might not see or feel. He’ll check for small cracks or decay starting underneath.
He might take X-rays to make sure the tooth and root below are still healthy. Catching a small issue early can prevent a bigger problem later and help your crown last for many years.
Staying Alert to Changes
Finally, pay attention to how your crown feels. If you notice that your bite feels different, or if the tooth is sensitive or hurts, call Dr. Stein. These could be signs that the crown is loose, that your gums are changing, or that there is an infection. Getting it checked quickly can often mean a simpler fix and can help you avoid more complicated treatment.
Dental Crown Care in Skokie, IL
At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, we can help you keep your crowns, and other restorations, in the best condition. If you have decay or damage, a dental crown could prevent the need for an extraction. Contact our office today at 847-750-3125 to schedule an appointment and learn more about your restorative treatment options.