Caring for dental crowns is an important part of maintaining your oral health. Dental crowns are placed over teeth to protect them from further damage or to give them a cosmetic overhaul. While crowns can last for many years, it is important to take the right steps to ensure that your crowns stay in tip-top shape.
Here are some quick and easy tips for caring for dental crowns.
1. Address Teeth Grinding Issues
Teeth grinding or bruxism is a condition that can occur due to stress, anxiety, or other medical conditions. This unconscious habit can cause damage to your dental crowns, so it is important to address any grinding issues with your dentist. Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth during sleep.
2. Schedule Regular Check-Ups with Your Dentist
It is important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist so that any problems with your crowns can be addressed as soon as possible. During your check-up, your dentist will check for chips, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear. If any issues are found, your dentist will be able to make any necessary repairs or replacements.
3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential for keeping your crowns looking and functioning at their best. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will help to keep plaque and bacteria at bay.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is also essential to help protect your dental crowns from damage.
4. Avoid Chewing Hard Foods
Chewing hard foods can put extra strain on your dental crowns, which can result in them cracking or breaking. When this happens, it can be very costly to replace the crown, as well as painful. Additionally, the crown may not fit as well as before, leading to other problems.
In order to avoid any issues, it is important to stick to softer foods. This means avoiding hard candies, nuts, and other crunchy snacks.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of how you bite down your food. You should never bite down too hard or use your teeth as tools to cut or break apart food.
5. Avoid Staining Habits for Caring for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an important part of your oral health, and taking care of them properly can help ensure that they last for many years. Here are some staining habits to avoid when caring for your dental crowns:
- Smoking: Smoking is one of the most common causes of dental staining, and it can be especially damaging for dental crowns. Not only does the smoke contain toxins that can discolor the crown, but it can also cause damage to the underlying tooth structure. Therefore, it is important to quit smoking, or at the very least, avoid smoking while wearing your dental crowns.
- Drinking Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine: Coffee, tea, and red wine are all known to cause staining on dental crowns. The tannins in these beverages can cause discoloration, so it is best to avoid drinking them while wearing your crowns.
- Eating Dark-Colored Foods: Foods that are dark in color, such as blueberries, blackberries, and dark chocolate, can cause staining on dental crowns. To prevent this, it is important to brush your teeth after eating these foods to remove any residual staining.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you can help ensure your dental crowns stay in good condition for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your crowns, be sure to talk to your dentist.
For dental crowns in Manassas, let our team at Manassas Smiles help you. Dr. Nadder Hassan and his team delivers multiple a full range of dental services for patients of all ages in Northern VA. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.