A dental crown is a great way to fix a broken tooth and restore your smile. These covers are made of very strong materials, but they still need a little love to stay in good shape.
If you have dental crowns in Kitsilano, you know how nice it feels to have a strong tooth again.
By adopting a few easy daily habits, you can ensure your crown lasts a long time and avoid having to pay for a new one too soon.
What are Some Ways to Clean Your Crown
Keeping your restoration clean is just as important as brushing your real teeth. Even though a crown can’t get a cavity, the real tooth underneath it can still rot if you aren’t careful.
When you visit a dentist in Kitsilano, they will check the area where the crown meets your gums to make sure it is clean and healthy.
- Soft Brushing: Always use a soft toothbrush to avoid scratching the crown or damaging your gums.
- Be Gentle: Brush in small circles around the crown to remove food particles.
- Floss Every Day: Flossing helps clean the spots your brush can’t reach, especially right at the gum line.
- Rinse Often: Using a mouthwash helps kill germs that like to hide around the edges of your dental work.
Which Foods Can Cause Trouble
What you eat has a big impact on how long your teeth stay strong. Hard or sticky foods can put too much stress on the glue or the porcelain. Good dental crown maintenance means being smart about what you snack on.
- Skip the Ice: Chewing on ice is one of the fastest ways to crack or chip a crown.
- Careful with Candy: Very sticky treats like taffy or caramels can actually pull a crown right off your tooth.
- Watch for Shells: Be careful with popcorn kernels or nuts that might have a hidden hard shell.
- Slice Your Fruit: Instead of biting into a whole hard apple, cut it into slices to protect your front teeth.
How to Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Many people don’t realize they are hurting their teeth while they sleep. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you can wear down the porcelain very quickly.
If you are looking for a dentist near you because your jaw feels sore in the morning, you might need a special guard.
- Wear a Night Guard: A custom guard from your dentist acts like a soft cushion for your teeth.
- Relax Before Bed: Try to destress before sleep so you don’t clench your jaw as much.
- Check for Wear: Your dentist can look for “flat spots” on your crown that show if you’ve been grinding.
Daily Habits to Prevent Dental Crown Damage
Your lifestyle habits are the best defense for your dental work. To truly prevent dental crown damage, you should treat your teeth with care and never use them as tools.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Never use your teeth to open bags, bite your nails, or hold onto things.
- Wear a Sports Guard: If you play sports like hockey or soccer, always wear a mouthguard to protect your face.
- Check Your Bite: If your crown feels “high” or weird when you bite down, see a professional to get it adjusted.
- Drink Plenty of Water: A dry mouth can lead to more germs, so keep drinking water to stay clean.
Comparing Your Care Choices
|
Daily Habit |
Why It Helps |
How Often? |
|
Soft Brushing |
Keeps the surface shiny and smooth |
Twice a day |
|
Daily Flossing |
Stops decay under the crown |
Once a day |
|
Using a Night Guard |
Stops cracks from grinding |
Every night |
|
Dental Exams |
Finds small problems before they grow |
Every 6 months |
Why You Still Need Check-ups
Even if you are great at cleaning at home, you still need a pro to look at your teeth. If you are looking for dental crowns near you or already have one, regular visits are a must.
During these visits, the team uses special tools to clean around your crown without scratching it.
They also make sure your gums are healthy so the crown stays looking natural and stays tightly sealed.
How to Know if Your Crown is Breaking
Sometimes a crown might need a little help, even if you are careful. If you notice any of these problems, find a dentist near you right away to get them fixed.
- Temperature Pain: If cold or hot drinks hurt that tooth, the seal might be leaking.
- Wiggling: If the crown feels loose when you eat, the glue might have washed away.
- Small Chips: Even a tiny chip can feel sharp or harbor germs.
- Dark Lines: A dark line near the gum may indicate the tooth beneath is showing.
Following a simple dental crown care plan is the best way to keep your smile looking great. By brushing gently and being careful with what you eat, you can make your dental work last for many years.
Keep Your Smile Strong and Healthy
Taking care of your dental work is the best way to protect your health and your wallet. When you treat your crowns with care, they stay strong and help you eat and speak with total confidence.
We want to help you keep your smile in the best shape possible with easy tips and professional care. Our team is dedicated to making sure your dental work feels comfortable and looks natural for years to come.
At Crossbeam Dental, we love helping our patients keep their smiles bright and functional. Are you worried about a loose crown or need a check-up? Contact us today to book your visit and keep your smile healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns usually last?
Most crowns last between 10 and 15 years, but they can last even longer if you take really good care of them.
Does it hurt to get a crown fixed?
No, your dentist will make sure you are comfortable and numb if they need to adjust or replace a crown.
Can a crown get stained?
Porcelain crowns are very good at resisting stains, but the natural teeth around them might change color, making the crown look different.
What if my crown falls out?
Keep the crown and call your dentist right away; they can often clean it and glue it back on if the tooth underneath is still healthy.
