Dental crowns are durable caps that cover single teeth. Using tooth crowns, we can protect a tooth following root canal treatment, cover single dental implants, and add structure to worn teeth. We can also color-match dental crowns to blend in with natural teeth. Our dental crown treatment for patients in Arlington Heights, IL, can restore the form and function of teeth. After receiving their crowns, many patients have questions about how best to care for their new restorations. Here, we will review the top tips on maintaining crowns and ensuring they last for years.
Dental Crown Care in Arlington Heights, IL
Follow these tips to keep your crowns bright and healthy:
Brush and Floss Daily
You can care for your dental crowns similarly to your natural teeth. A toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste with an ADA label will keep your crowns clean and prevent bacterial buildup. Oral hygiene is still important, even if you are not cleaning the natural tooth underneath your crown. Your gums surrounding your crowns and the teeth beneath your crowns can still be affected by infections. If you have crowns and develop gum disease or tooth decay, your crowns can loosen or fall off. Ensure you brush your crown and the gumline surrounding your crown to prevent problems like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Hard candies, gum, peanut butter, and other hard or sticky foods can damage or loosen your dental crown. When you eat hard foods, you are increasing the pressure on your teeth. With normal teeth, you may chip or break a tooth on hard foods. Hard foods can also damage a crown, despite their durability. Sticky foods can also potentially loosen your dental crown over time.
Kick Bad Habits
Biting your nails, using your teeth to open things, and chewing on ice or other hard objects is bad for your natural teeth and tooth crowns. These bad habits that normally wear down your teeth can damage your dental crowns. You can chip or crack a crown, so we recommend distracting yourself with other things like stress balls to stop these bad habits.
Make Routine Dental Appointments
Regular dental visits are especially important when you have a restoration. We will clean your teeth and take digital X-rays as in other routine appointments, but we will also check the integrity of your tooth crowns and look for signs of damage. If we find any problems, we can plan treatment to prevent further damage to your crown and possible damage to your tooth under your restoration.
Do you have any questions about how to care for your dental crowns? Call Dr. Brent Engelberg today at (847) 230-9703 or request a dental consultation on our website.