Dental Crown Care and Maintenance

Dental crowns are protective caps for damaged, decayed or broken teeth. They help restore the shape, strength and size of your teeth while restoring functionality and enhancing the appearance of your smile. That’s not all – dental crowns also enhance the appearance of your smile and protect damaged or decayed teeth from further damage. And just like your natural teeth, dental crowns need care, too. When they are properly cared for, these protective caps can easily last between 5 to 15 years. 

Some benefits of looking after your dental crowns include: 

• Enhances the longevity of your dental crown, helping you maintain your smile for years
• A well-maintained crown helps keep dental issues at bay 
• Improves your oral health, keeping your smile beautiful and radiant
• Saves you time and money in the long run
• Improves overall health and well-being

Let’s have a look at how to care for your dental crowns.

Brush and Floss Around Your Crown Daily

Brushing and flossing around your dental crown is a crucial part of dental crown maintenance. It helps remove debris and plaque that can otherwise accumulate between your teeth and around the dental crown.

However, take care not to force the floss in and out when you floss. Instead, wrap it in a “C” around your tooth and slide it up and down several times along the margin of your crown and under the gums.

Use a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Harsh ingredients in toothpaste, such as baking soda, can cause tiny scratches on the surface of your new crown. You may not notice them right away, but over time, these scratches can make your crown look dull or discoloured (from stains accumulating within the scratches) For those reasons, it’s best to opt for a gentle toothpaste that’s safe for your teeth. We recommend using a fluoride toothpaste.

Brush at the Margins

Take note to angle your toothbrush bristles towards your gums. A 45-degree angle is best. Apply a small amount of pressure and gently make tiny strokes back and forth on just one or two teeth at a time. As plaque tends to collect along gumlines the most, especially around dental crowns, you shouldn’t let these areas go overlooked. So we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush as hard-bristles can damage the material of the dental crown. You may even opt for an electronic toothbrush.

Choose Your Food Wisely

While your crown is durable, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of what you eat. We recommend avoiding hard, crunchy and sticky foods such as nuts, hard candy and ice, as they can chip your dental crown. Instead, opt for a diet that includes soft and nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables and dairy.

At the same time, it’s also a good idea to limit highly-pigmented foods and drinks like coffee, tea and wine. This will help maintain the appearance of not just your dental crown but also your teeth.

Kick Bad Habits

If you’re a nail-biter or chew on ice, it’s time to kick those habits to the curb! These activities can put stress on your teeth and cause chips in your crown. Oh, and make sure you avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or crack nuts.

Use Mouthguards

If you do a lot of sports or tend to grind your teeth at night, you might want to consider using a mouthguard. Our custom-made mouthguards add an extra layer of protection that can go a long way in preserving the integrity of your crown.

Say No to Tobacco and Alcohol!

Smoking, using tobacco and drinking alcohol can not only stain your teeth but can also impact the longevity of your dental crown.

Schedule a Checkup Every Six Months

It’s important to see our Port Melbourne dentists twice a year to have your teeth (and crown) cleaned and evaluated. We’ll be able to intercept any issues that arise between dental visits before they turn into complex oral health needs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dental Crown Maintenance

Do’s

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown
• Brush at a 45-degree angle and don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces
• Choose the right toothpaste (ideally one with fluoride to protect your teeth and restorations from decay)
• Opt for a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash
• Visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups to identify any issues with your crowns before things escalate

Don’ts

• Avoid using abrasive toothpastes as they can scratch the surface of your crown
• Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes that can cause damage
• Stay away from hard or sticky cleaning tools like picks as they can dislodge or damage the crown
• Avoid chewing on hard objects and foods like ice cubes, popcorn kernels and candy
• Stop using your teeth as tools for opening packages or bottles

A crown that’s well cared for can last for many years to come, making it easy to maintain that winning smile you’ve invested in.

Call PMD Dental Care today to schedule your next visit!