Tips For Properly Caring For Your Dental Crown

10 April 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that are broken or badly chipped, and after a crown is in place, people typically are able to chew food easier and also feel more comfortable smiling. While dental crowns are incredibly useful in restoring teeth, they are expensive, so if you pay to get a dental crown, you are sure to want it to last. Today's dental crowns are made of very strong and durable material, but it is still very important to take the proper steps to care for your dental crown to prevent cracking, chipping, or breaking. If you have recently gotten a dental crown, use the following tips to keep it in great condition for many years to come:

Proper Good Oral Hygiene

While a crown acts as an artificial shield over a damaged tooth, it is still very important to practice proper hygiene to keep the gums and surrounding teeth in good health. Always brush your teeth in the morning and evening, and don't forget to floss daily. It is recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a high-quality toothpaste with fluoride. It is a good idea to take extra care when flossing around the crown to prevent from accidentally dislodging it. You may also want to try using an interdental cleaner, which utilizes high-pressure water to clean the tight spaces between your teeth.

Pay Attention to What You Eat

Once a crown is in place, you will most likely find it much easier to chew your food. However, it is still important to avoid some things in order to avoid damaging your crown. When you have one or more dental crowns, take extra caution when eating hard foods, such as nuts, very crunchy vegetables and fruits, and hard candies. It is also a good idea to avoid chewing ice. Being extra careful about the types of foods that you eat can help prevent problems with your dental crown.

Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding is not good for any teeth, but it can put a lot of stress on a dental crown and eventually lead to chipping, cracking, or breaking altogether. If you are a person who grinds their teeth throughout the day, make yourself aware of it and take measures to stop the habit. Many people also grind their teeth in their sleep. If you know that you're a nighttime teeth grinder, purchase a mouth guard to wear at night to keep your dental crown in good condition.