4 Ways to Care for Your Dental Crown and Make It Last
Dental crowns are a long-lasting solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. Whether you received one after a root canal or to protect a cracked tooth, these four ways to care for your dental crown in Locust, NC, can extend its lifespan and keep your smile healthy.
At Locust Family Dentistry, we help patients enjoy the full benefits of their dental crowns. Our dentists in Locust, NC, Dr. Zeitouni and Dr. Maxhuni, will be sharing proper dental crown care techniques to maintain your crown and oral health.
Top 4 Ways to Make Your Crown Last Longer
They may seem straightforward, but each of the following tips is crucial for keeping your dental crown healthy. Missing one of these areas could result in long-term trouble. Let’s dive in!
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene Daily
Even though a crown isn’t a natural tooth, the tooth underneath it still needs protection. That’s why daily oral hygiene is crucial.
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your crown or irritating your gums. Flossing is also essential because food and plaque can still build up around the edges of your crown, leading to decay or gingivitis.
Additionally, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash adds an extra layer of protection. If you’re unsure which products are best, ask our dentists on your next visit to our Locust dental office.
2. Be Mindful of What You Eat
Certain foods can shorten your dental crown’s lifespan. Hard foods like nuts, ice, and popcorn kernels can cause cracks or dislodge the crown. Sticky candies or chewing gum may pull the crown away from the tooth.
Also, limit sugary treats that can accelerate decay around the base of the crown, especially if it’s made of porcelain. When in doubt, stick to a tooth-friendly diet filled with crunchy veggies and lots of water.
3. Avoid Bad Dental Habits
Using your teeth to open packages or biting your nails can severely damage your crown. These habits put unnecessary pressure on both the crown and the surrounding teeth.
If you have bruxism, a condition where you grind your teeth at night, contact our dentist in Locust about getting a custom night guard. It can protect your crown from wear and prolong its durability.
4. Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits
Routine checkups are among the best ways to care for your dental crown in Locust, NC. At Locust Family Dentistry, we monitor crown integrity, check for signs of decay around the edges, and provide cleanings that help protect both crowns and natural teeth.
These appointments are also great for asking questions about products or techniques for better dental crown care. Schedule a dental crown checkup with our dentist in Locust today to help prevent complications and extend your dental crown’s lifespan.