Dental Crown Care and Maintenance

You got a new dental crown to protect and repair your tooth. But dental crowns, like natural teeth, need care too. With the right maintenance routine, you can help your new “cap” last for several years.

Floss Around Your Crown Daily

It’s crucial to floss around your crown, but most people think that flossing will pull their restoration off. Not so. Your new crown is permanently cemented in place. With gentle flossing, a well-fitting crown isn’t going anywhere.

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

Use a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Harsh ingredients in toothpaste, such as baking soda, can cause tiny scratches in the surface of your new crown. You may not notice them right away, but over time it can make your crown look dull or discolored (from stains accumulating within the scratches.) Instead, opt for a gentle toothpaste that’s safe for your smile.

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. Plaque tends to collect along gumlines the most, especially around dental crowns. You can’t afford to let these areas go overlooked. Brush them twice per day.

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 issues that pop up between visits, before they turn into complex oral health needs.

Call PMD Dental Care today to schedule your next visit!