Dental crowns are an excellent way to improve the appearance of your smile and restore teeth that have been lost or damaged due to decay, gum disease, or a traumatic injury. Ceramic crowns are highly durable in addition to being extremely natural in appearance. However, it is important to care for your new crowns properly to extend their lifespan and keep your oral health in prime condition.
KNOW WHAT FOODS TO AVOID
There are certain foods that can damage your new dental crowns. Very sticky and chewy foods can get stuck between the crown and your gums, which can loosen the crown. Chewing on hard and crunchy foods like hard candy, nuts, or carrots, as well as chewing on ice, can also be potentially harmful to dental crowns – in fact, chewing on ice, hard candy, or other hard objects can even crack your natural teeth, so it is best to avoid these items in general.
If you got crowns as the result of gum disease or gum recession, you might be sensitive to some foods and beverages. The teeth with crowns might feel extra sensitive to extreme changes in temperature, so hot soups or drinks like coffee and tea, or very cold foods and drinks, may cause discomfort for you.
FOLLOW PROPER ORAL HYGIENE
If you follow a good dental health care routine, your new crowns should last decades. You can clean your dental crowns the same way you clean your natural teeth: brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss once daily. Keep up with your regular dental checkups every six months, and make sure you tell us if you grind your teeth so we can fit you for a mouth guard. Teeth grinding can damage your new dental crowns just like it can damage your natural teeth. For more information, contact our dental office today.