Dental crowns are among the most sought-after dental treatments for repairing broken teeth. If you have just received a dental crown or plan to get one, you may wonder how to maintain it in the best possible condition. After all, a dental crown can easily last for many years (10 to 15 years) if cared for properly, but you need to defend it from the wear and tear that can reduce its lifespan. Dr. Chepyala of Gentle Touch Dentistry provides some useful tips on how to prevent damage to your dental crown and keep it as long-lasting as possible.

Why Proper Care is Important for Your Dental Crown

A dental crown envelops and protects a cracked or fragile tooth. While crowns are durable, they are not invincible. Even with the highest-quality materials, they may be prone to wear and damage through unhealthy habits, some foods, or accidents. It is only a few simple steps that can extend the life of your crown and keep your smile looking great.

The following are some effective tips to prevent dental crown damage and maintain healthy teeth:

1. Be Aware of Hard Foods

Your crown may be tough, but biting on hard foods like ice, popcorn seeds, or hard candy can put it to the test. The foods can cause the crown to crack or loosen. To avoid ruining your dental crown, you should not bite on extremely hard things. If you must bite on something crunchy, cut it into little pieces.

2. Avoid Chewing on Things That Aren’t Food

Chewing things that are not food, like pens, pencils, or your fingernails, can be a major threat to your dental crown. These habits will put extra pressure, which can cause your crown to loosen or break. Although it might not seem like anything, repeated chewing on these objects can eventually result in cracks.

3. Use a Night Guard If You Grind Your Teeth

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common issue that most people experience, especially while sleeping. Bruxism can cause immense damage to your crown by putting too much pressure on it. Dr. Chepyala recommends wearing a night guard at night to minimize the damage from teeth grinding. 

4. Follow A Regular Dental Checkup Routine

Regular appointments with your dentist are important to keep your crown in good shape. Your dentist will check the crown during regular checkups to see if there is any sign of wear and tear or damage. If the problem is caught early, it can be fixed before becoming a big deal.

5. Steer clear of Staining Foods

Foods and drinks, such as coffee, red wine, and berries, can stain your crown in the long term. Even though modern crowns do not stain, they can still change color if they repeatedly come into contact with such foods or drinks. To keep your crown looking its best, try to minimize consumption of staining foods or brush your teeth right after eating or drinking. This is important for crowns made of materials like porcelain, which can stain.

6. Practice Good Oral Habits

Having a dental crown does not allow you to neglect your oral hygiene routines. In fact, good oral habits become even more important with a crown on. Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque from building up around the crown and alongside it. Decay and gum disease, caused by plaque, can weaken the anchorage of your crown.

How you care for your dental crown is critical if you want to maximize its lifespan. Following these guidelines to prevent dental crown damage will ensure your strong, healthy smile for years to come. 

If you have any questions about your crown or would like to schedule an appointment for a dental examination, please don’t hesitate to call Gentle Touch Dentistry. Dr. Chepyala and staff are here to provide you with personalized care tailored to your dental needs.