A dental crown is an excellent solution to restore a damaged tooth’s appearance and function. Once your dental crown is placed, good care of it will be necessary for longevity and avoiding potential problems later on. But how do you care for a newly placed dental crown? Here’s what you need to know.

Know the Importance of Dental Crown Care

Though dental crowns last many years, much of their longevity depends on how well you care for them. A dental crown protects the remaining tooth structure, strengthens the tooth, and improves its appearance. However, if the right aftercare is not followed, your crown may become damaged, or you may develop other oral health issues, such as gum irritation or decay.

The best dental crown care guidelines are as follows: 

1. Good Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is the most critical and highest-priority aspect in dental crown care. Regular brushing and flossing prevent plaque buildup that could lead to tooth decay and gum disease. A few tips for oral hygiene include:

• Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle around the crown to avoid loosening it.
• Floss your teeth daily to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and around the edges of the crown. Use a gentle flossing approach to avoid damaging the crown or surrounding gums.

If you have difficulty flossing around your dental crown, consult your dentist for guidance.

2. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

While dental crowns can bear regular chewing, they aren’t indestructible. You should avoid foods that may exert pressure on your crown or cause it to loosen. Avoid:

• Hard foods, such as nuts, ice, or hard candy
• Foods of a sticky nature, such as caramel or gum

These foods can crack your dental crown or cause it to come loose. It’s a good idea to chew softer foods and cut tough items into smaller pieces, especially in the days following your crown placement.

3. Watch Out for Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common issue that can seriously damage your dental crown over time. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard to protect your crown and other teeth from unnecessary wear is a good idea.

Grinding places undue stress on the crown and can cause it to crack or wear down prematurely. If you grind your teeth, speak with your dentist about ways to avoid damaging your crown, including a custom-fitted night guard.

4. Don’t stop your regular dental checkups.

Even after the crown is in place, you must visit your dentist. These visits will help your dentist monitor the state and position of your tooth to ensure that it is firmly in place without any wear or damage.

During these visits, your dentist will also professionally clean your crown to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which may cause problems such as inflammation of the gums and decay.

Your dental crown is an investment in your smile, and with proper care, it will serve you well for many years. 

If you have any other questions or concerns about caring for your dental crown, please do not hesitate to contact Urban Dental Studio. Our team looks forward to helping you continue to care for your crown and enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.