Crowns are extremely versatile when it comes to corrective dentistry. Whether your teeth are damaged by decay or trauma, crowns can conceal dental flaws and add strength. They can even last for many years with proper care.
To keep your crowns in good working condition, you must know what to do. Whether you have one or two crowns, these simple tips can help ensure your crowns provide you with years of beautiful smiles.
Here are some tips for keeping your crowns looking great for as long as possible:
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
You may want to use a toothbrush designed for sensitive gums. This special brush can help reduce discomfort while cleaning your pearly whites.
You should also use a floss threader to help clean between your teeth and below your gum line. Regular flossing and brushing may be the most important habits for preventing plaque buildup and related tooth decay.
2. Watch What You Eat
It can take longer for your body to break down tough, chewy foods. Chewing on food that isn’t properly ground up can lead to crowns that crack and break.
Try to eat food that has been chopped or crushed into smaller pieces. This reduces the amount of work your teeth need to do.
Foods with a hard, tough texture, like nuts and hard candies, can also cause more wear and tear on crowns. These hard objects can quickly rub off the enamel on your teeth, which can make the crowns lose their shape and loosen.
Limit your intake of these foods, and your crowns should last a long time.
3. Stay Away from Soda
You should always stay away from soda and other drinks with high acid content. These drinks can wear away your teeth, making it easier for the crown to come loose or fall off.
Drinks like soda, lemonade, and sports drinks can also stain the enamel of your teeth. While this doesn’t affect the integrity of the crown, the color change can make your teeth look dull and yellow.
Your dentist may recommend using a special toothpaste designed to freshen your breath and keep your teeth looking their best. As with any other brush, you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for 2 minutes for optimal results.
4. Don’t Pick or Scratch the Crowns
You should avoid using your nails or fingers to pick at or remove the food stuck in your crowns. This may cause damage to the enamel coating surrounding the crowns, leading to a fracture in the crown itself. Be sure to brush your fingers and nails before you use them to remove food particles. This helps prevent broken or chipped nails or crowns.
5. Undergo Regular Check-Ups
Undergoing regular check-ups can help catch problems before they have a chance to get worse. It’s important to keep your regular dentist informed of any changes in your mouth, including new crowns.
Your dentist may use a special tool to check the fit and make sure the crown hasn’t shifted or become loose. During your visits, your dentist may also make minor adjustments to the crowns.
Conclusion
Overall, crowns are a great way to restore your teeth when decay or injury has compromised the integrity of your teeth. Whether you have one or many of them, following these tips can help keep your new crowns safe and looking great for years to come.
If you are looking for experienced dentists in Chelmsford, MA, look no further than our experts here at Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group. We are dedicated and committed to helping patients improve and maintain their oral health. Call us today to book your very first ceramic crown appointment with us.
