Dental crowns are a popular and effective solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, severe decay, or a need for aesthetic improvement, a dental crown can provide the protection and durability your tooth needs. However, like any dental restoration, crowns require proper care and maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential tips for the long-term maintenance of your dental crowns, helping you keep them in top condition for years to come.
What is Dental Crowns?
Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s important to understand what dental crowns are and how they function. A dental crown is a cap-like structure that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It is custom-made to fit your tooth and is typically made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. The primary purpose of a crown is to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Dental crowns are commonly used for the following reasons:
- Protecting a weakened tooth due to decay or fracture.
- Restoring a broken or worn-down tooth.
- Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth structure left.
- Holding a dental bridge in place.
- Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- Capping a dental implant.
While dental crowns are durable and designed to last for many years, they are not immune to wear and tear. Proper care and maintenance are essential to prolong their lifespan and keep your oral health in check.
1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
One of the most crucial factors in the long-term success of your dental crowns is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Even though a crown itself cannot decay, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Here’s how to care for your crowns with proper oral hygiene:
Brush Twice Daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential. Be sure to brush around the crown and along the gumline to remove plaque and food particles that can cause decay or gum irritation. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown’s surface.
Floss Daily
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to maintaining your crowns. Flossing removes debris and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, preventing cavities and gum disease. When flossing around a crown, be gentle to avoid dislodging it. Instead of pulling the floss straight up, slide it out to the side to reduce pressure on the crown.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the risk of infection and keep your gums healthy. Choose a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to prevent drying out your mouth, which can increase the risk of decay.
2. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
While dental crowns are designed to be strong, they are not indestructible. Chewing on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy can chip or crack the crown. Additionally, sticky foods like caramel or taffy can pull on the crown, potentially loosening it or causing it to come off entirely.
Be Cautious with Hard Foods
If you enjoy eating hard foods, try to avoid biting down on them directly with your crowned tooth. Instead, use your other teeth to handle these items. You should also avoid chewing on non-food items like pencils or nails, which can put unnecessary stress on the crown.
Limit Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can cause crowns to loosen, which can lead to complications if not addressed promptly. If you can’t avoid sticky foods altogether, be mindful of how you chew and take extra care when eating them.
3. Address Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common issue that can severely damage dental crowns. The constant grinding and clenching can wear down the crown’s surface or even cause it to crack.
Wear a Nightguard
If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a nightguard. A nightguard is a custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth and provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This can help prevent damage to your crowns and natural teeth.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a common trigger for bruxism. Finding ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, exercising regularly, or seeking therapy, can help reduce teeth grinding and protect your crowns.
4. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are vital for the maintenance of your dental crowns. During these visits, your dentist will examine your crowns to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly. They can also identify potential issues early on, such as decay under the crown or gum disease, which can be treated before they become more serious.
Professional Cleanings
In addition to check-ups, professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining the health of your crowns and gums. Dental hygienists use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you might miss with regular brushing and flossing.
5. Be Mindful of Your Bite
Your bite plays a significant role in the longevity of your dental crowns. If your bite is misaligned, it can place excessive pressure on certain teeth, including those with crowns, leading to cracks or other damage.
Correct Bite Issues
If you notice that your bite feels off after getting a crown or if you experience discomfort when chewing, it’s important to address this with your dentist. They can make adjustments to the crown or recommend other treatments, such as orthodontics, to correct your bite.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or perform other tasks can damage your crowns and natural teeth. Always use the appropriate tools instead of relying on your teeth.
6. Protect Your Crowns During Sports
If you participate in contact sports or activities that pose a risk of injury to your mouth, it’s essential to protect your dental crowns and natural teeth. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent damage to your crowns and reduce the risk of tooth fractures, concussions, and other injuries.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Custom-made mouthguards offer the best protection because they are tailored to fit your mouth perfectly. These mouthguards are more comfortable and provide better protection than over-the-counter options.
7. Address Dental Problems Promptly
If you experience any issues with your dental crowns, such as sensitivity, pain, or a loose crown, it’s important to address them promptly. Ignoring these problems can lead to more significant complications, such as infections or the need for a crown replacement.
Don’t Ignore Sensitivity
Sensitivity around a crowned tooth can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as decay or gum recession. Contact your dentist if you experience persistent sensitivity so they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Fix Loose Crowns
A loose crown should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage or the loss of the crown. Your dentist can re-cement the crown or recommend a replacement if necessary.
8. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in the maintenance of your dental crowns and overall oral health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps keep your teeth, gums, and crowns in good condition.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones. Include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in your diet to ensure you’re getting enough of these nutrients.
Limit Sugary Foods
Sugary foods and drinks can contribute to decay around the edges of your crown, leading to complications. Limit your intake of sugary items and opt for healthier alternatives when possible.
9. Use Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. While dental crowns cover the visible part of the tooth, the edges where the crown meets the natural tooth are still susceptible to decay. Using fluoride treatments can help protect these areas.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Using fluoride toothpaste is an easy and effective way to protect your crowned teeth. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day to help prevent decay around the edges of your crown.
Fluoride Mouthwash
In addition to toothpaste, consider using fluoride mouthwash as part of your oral hygiene routine. This can provide extra protection against decay and help maintain the health of your crowned teeth.
10. Understand When Crowns Need Replacement
While dental crowns are designed to last for many years, they are not permanent. Over time, crowns can wear down, become loose, or develop issues that require replacement. It’s important to recognize the signs that your crown may need to be replaced.
Signs You Need a Crown Replacement
- Visible Wear: If you notice that your crown is worn down or cracked, it may be time for a replacement.
- Gum Recession: If your gums have receded around the crown, exposing the edges of the underlying tooth, this can lead to decay and may require a new crown.
- Discomfort: Persistent discomfort or pain around the crowned tooth may indicate that the crown is no longer fitting properly or that there is an issue with the underlying tooth.
Maintaining your dental crowns for the long term requires a combination of excellent oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and mindful habits. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can help ensure that your crowns remain in good condition for years to come, protecting your investment and maintaining your smile.