Virily Editor
A dental crown can enhance the quality of your smile. However, you need to take extra care if you want your crown to last for many years. The best way to increase their longevity is by observing proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentists regularly. In fact, these accessories can last for a decade, provided you follow the instructions given by your doctor.
Here are some tips on how to ensure that your dental crown remains in an optimal condition.
Brush after Every Meal
The recommended frequency for brushing teeth is twice daily. Some people do it more often. When you get a dental crown, you are going to have to do it after every meal, as this prevents the accumulation of food particles that later transform into plaque.
While it is essential to brush teeth after eating, avoid doing it immediately. Allow some time for your mouth to rest before cleaning. This is because the artificial nature of dental crowns makes them more susceptible to damage than natural teeth. It would be best if you also used extra-soft toothbrushes to avoid hurting the gums.
Floss Regularly
Flossing eliminates the food particles around your dental crown that can cause tooth decay and bleeding gums. That said, do it gently to avoid loosening the crown.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Although dental crowns are tough and durable, they can still be damaged, like natural teeth. Consuming hard foods can crack or chip your crowns, needing you to replace them earlier than scheduled. Similarly, chewing sticky foods can loosen and weaken your dental crowns. If possible, avoid these foods.
Invest in a Night Guard
Grinding and clenching are easily controllable when you are awake – however, this is not the case when sleeping. Over time, these habits can cause severe damage to your teeth, including an increased risk of breaking your dental crown. The best solution to this challenge is investing in a night guard that cushions your teeth and protects your crown as you sleep.
Adjust Your Crown
If you feel that your dental crown does not fit in comfortably, have it adjusted. A poorly fitted crown affects your biting and can lead to further complications like jaw pain and injury to neighbouring teeth.
Furthermore, your bite might change over time, making the crown uncomfortable. In such situations, the best resort is asking the dentist to refit the crown.
The problem with not fitting a crown properly is that it exposes the covered tooth to injury and infections, which are costlier to deal with than readjustment.
Rinse Using Fluoride
Rinsing your mouth with fluoride water prevents the accumulation of bacteria. This particularly applies to people who find it challenging to brush their teeth after every meal. Besides, it is advisable to use fluoride toothpaste since it kills germs and strengthens your teeth and gums.
Use Tooth Whitening Toothpaste
Dental crowns are more susceptible to discolouration than natural teeth. For this reason, it is advisable to use tooth-whitening toothpaste at least twice weekly. The paste helps in stain removal and ensuring that the crown remains sparkling.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Ideally, you should visit a dentist twice yearly. If you have dental complications, the appointments should occur more often.
Seeing the dentist ensures that your dental crowns are in a pristine condition. The doctor will confirm that the teeth underneath the crown are healthy and that the crowns fit correctly. Suppose there is any complication, they will correct it.
Conclusion
Failing to clean your dental crowns properly increases your vulnerability to dental complications. Observing the steps mentioned above can help you save the amount you would have otherwise used to pay your dentist.
