If you have a damaged, discolored or cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown as the best treatment option. A dental crown is a natural-looking cap that is placed over a tooth for stability, protection and improved appearance. Unfortunately, while crowns offer protection, they are still susceptible to damage without the proper care. If you have a new dental crown from your Marietta dentist, here’s how you can ensure it stays in top condition.
7 Ways to Take Care of a Dental Crown
1. Follow a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
Some people believe that a durable porcelain crown won’t be vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Of course, the crown itself won’t be at risk from bacteria. However, the tooth structure can still suffer as a result of poor dental hygiene. Make sure to brush carefully twice each day, along with daily flossing.
2. Be Careful While Flossing Around the Dental Crown
While flossing is a key part of a good oral hygiene routine, be cautious around a dental crown. Avoid getting the floss underneath the edge of the crown, and be gentle throughout the process. Although the chance of damage will be small, being careful can increase the lifespan of a crown.
3. Adjust Your Diet
One reason why you need a dental crown instead of a filling is that the tooth has decayed too much. There are of course many reasons for tooth decay, but poor diet is a common example. When you can avoid chewy and hard foods as much as possible, you’ll also limit the chance of developing a crack in the crown.
4. Chew on the Opposite Side of the Mouth
After getting a new dental crown, chew on the other side of your mouth at first to avoid damage. You will soon be able to chew with the crown itself.
5. Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth grinding is a common issue that leads to tooth damage. Most teeth grinding occurs during sleep. However, it’s also possible to grind your teeth while awake, due to stress or habit. If your teeth grinding is an issue and damaging your teeth, consider wearing a mouthguard.
6. Practice Good Habits
Other practices that could damage a dental crown include nail-biting and opening bottles with your teeth. Avoid these bad habits to take proper care of a dental crown. In addition, wear a protective guard while playing sports.
7. Make Regular Dental Checkup Appointments
Finally, ensure that you visit your dentist at least twice per year for oral exams and dental cleanings. If a problem is discovered, your dentist can provide restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatments as soon as possible.
Expert Dental Crown Treatment & Cosmetic Dentistry in Marietta
Shining Smiles Family Dentistry provides dental crowns and other services from our office in Marietta. For a range of family and cosmetic dentistry services, schedule a visit today. Call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment now.
