What to Know About Caring for Your Dental Crowns
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Dental crowns are unquestionably one of the most effective long-term solutions for restoring damaged teeth and enhancing your smile overall. Whether you have a crown to protect a broken tooth, strengthen a tooth previously treated by a root canal, or cover a discolored tooth, proper care is essential to ensure your restoration lasts as long as possible.
At Tupelo Smiles in Tupelo, MS, Dr. Richard Caron, Dr. John Kenney, and Dr. Emilie Caron Russell utilize the highest quality dental crown materials available today and offer personalized guidance on caring for your dental crowns to keep them functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing in the long term. Read on to learn more about maintaining dental crowns to ensure their longevity and boost your confidence and peace of mind.
What do crowns do?
Dental crowns can serve multiple purposes in restoring the health, strength, function, and aesthetics of your smile. Our custom dental crowns are made to fit over a natural tooth or can be affixed to a dental implant, and can address a wide range of dental issues, including:
- Weak tooth
- Broken tooth
- Tooth with a large or failing filling
- Discolored tooth
- Misshaped tooth
- Missing tooth or teeth
Do you brush and floss crowns?
Like natural teeth, dental crowns require regular care to stay in good condition. Following a daily oral hygiene routine will help maintain your crown and the surrounding teeth and gums. To care for your crowns properly, our team at Tupelo Smiles recommends:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing daily to remove plaque buildup between and around the crowns
- Using a fluoride toothpaste to protect both natural teeth and crown surfaces
- Rinsing with recommended mouthwash to reduce bacteria around the crowns
By keeping dental crowns clean, you can prevent decay, gum disease, and other issues that might impact the longevity of your restorations.
What are the foods to avoid with dental crowns?
Although crowns are designed to be durable and stain-resistant, certain items and behaviors can increase the risk of damage or staining. To keep your crowns looking and functioning their best for as long as possible, follow these guidelines on foods, beverages, and habits to avoid:
- Sticky foods that could loosen the crown
- Hard foods like ice and nuts that might chip the crown
- Sugary snacks that promote decay around the crown margins
- Acidic beverages that can weaken the underlying tooth structure
- Staining foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce
- Using your teeth to open packages, etc.
How often do you need to go to the dentist if you have crowns?
Just like natural teeth, dental crowns require regular dental exams and cleanings to maintain their health and integrity. During routine check-ups, our team can:
- Inspect the crown for any signs of wear or damage
- Ensure the crown remains properly fitted and comfortable
- Provide professional cleanings to prevent plaque buildup
Generally speaking, most patients should schedule dental visits every six months, though your specific needs may vary based on your oral health. Keeping up with these visits ensures your crown is functioning well and potential issues are caught early. Based on your unique dental health status and other factors, our knowledgeable team will recommend the appropriate frequency for your dental exams, cleanings, and other appointments to help keep your restorations and natural teeth in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
Keep your smile healthy and strong with dental crowns in Tupelo, MS
With the right care, your dental crowns can provide reliable protection and a beautiful smile you can enjoy for many years, decades, or even a lifetime. For more information on the benefits of dental crowns or to schedule a consultation with Tupelo, MS dental crown providers Dr. Richard Caron, Dr. John Kenney, or Dr. Emilie Caron Russell, contact our caring team at Tupelo Smiles today.