Getting a dental crown is a significant step toward protecting a damaged tooth and improving your smile. However, placing the crown is only half the job—the real responsibility begins with how well you care for it afterward. A well-maintained crown can last over a decade, but without proper care, it might wear out or even fail much sooner. Below are some essential and unique tips to help you protect your investment and maintain great oral health.
1. Treat It Like a Natural Tooth
It might be artificial, but your dental crown is a custom-made cap that deserves the same care you give to your natural teeth. Brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is key. This helps prevent plaque buildup around the edges where the crown meets your gum, which can lead to decay beneath the crown or gum irritation.
2. Floss with a Purpose
Many people stop flossing around a crown out of fear of damaging it. In reality, gentle and proper flossing is essential. Slide the floss in carefully, move it up and down alongside the crown, and slide it back out rather than snapping it upward, which could dislodge the crown if done too forcefully.
3. Mind Your Bite
Once your crown is placed, your dentist adjusts it to match your bite. But if the crown feels too high or causes discomfort while chewing, don’t ignore it. A poorly aligned crown can lead to pain in your jaw or uneven pressure that wears down both the crown and nearby teeth. Go back for a quick adjustment—better safe than sorry.
4. Reduce Sugar and Acidic Intake
While crowns don’t decay, the natural tooth underneath them can. Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks can weaken the area where the crown and tooth connect. Limit soda, candy, and acidic juices. If you start rinsing your mouth with clear water, then it will also be effective for minimizing damage to teeth.
5. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Opening a packet, tearing tape, or biting your nails with your teeth can be tempting, but it’s one of the fastest ways to chip or loosen a crown. Treat your teeth (and your crown) as part of your health, not your toolbox.
6. Watch Out for Night Grinding
Grinding your teeth at night, often unknowingly, can cause micro-cracks or even dislodge your crown. If you wake up with jaw pain or notice wear on your teeth, you may be grinding in your sleep. A dentist-prescribed nightguard can protect both your crown and your natural teeth from this hidden danger.
7. Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits
Even if your crown feels fine, visiting your dentist regularly is vital. During cleanings and exams, your dentist can detect early signs of wear, infection, or gum problems around the crown. If you use preventive checkups, it can be useful to save you the cost and pain of crown replacement.
Final Thoughts
A dental crown is a long-term solution to strengthen and restore a tooth, but it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it. How long it will last is totally dependent on how much you take care of it. By sticking to a smart oral hygiene routine, being mindful of what you eat, and staying in touch with your dentist, your crown can remain strong and functional for many years. Schedule a visit with your dentist to keep everything in top shape and preserve your perfect smile.
