We all want a bright, healthy smile that radiates confidence. But maintaining that smile can become a challenge when a tooth becomes weak, cracked, or severely decayed and needs extra protection. That’s where dental crowns — custom-made dental caps for teeth that cover and strengthen your natural tooth — can help. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over 1 in 3 Australian adults have untreated dental decay (AIHW report, 2023). Timely restoration with a crown helps prevent further decay and tooth loss.
Dental crowns are a great way to restore your tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance, helping you chew and smile comfortably again. But like any dental treatment, they require a little extra attention to stay in top shape. If you also have crowns for teeth and want them to last long, you’d better start taking good care of them. At our Canberra dental clinic, we not only provide high-quality dental crowns but also guide our patients on how to care for them. Here are some practical tips every dental crown patient should know.
Why Caring for Your Dental Crown Matters
A dental crown is an investment in your oral health. It restores your tooth’s structure, prevents further wear, and helps maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Additionally, it can last for a long time, typically ranging from 5 to 15 years. However, if you think that after getting the crown, your job is done and you need not take care of it, you’re very wrong.
Dental crowns also require proper care and good oral hygiene. When you take good care of your crowns, you’ll likely extend their shelf life.
But improper care can cause gum issues, decay at the crown’s edge, or loosening over time. Simple daily habits and regular check-ups at your family dental clinic can go a long way in keeping your crowns strong and functional. Let us look at some easy ways to care for your crowns.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of good oral hygiene, and they’re essential to keep your dental crown and the tooth beneath it healthy:
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle around the crown to avoid damaging it.
Clean the gum line properly to avoid tooth decay. Pay extra attention to the gumline around your crown to prevent plaque buildup.
Use floss or an interdental brush to clean between teeth. Food or bacteria trapped near the crown edges can cause decay in the supporting tooth. That’s why cleaning the crown and surrounding areas properly is necessary.
Use a Night Guard for protection. If you suffer from bruxism or have the habit of grinding your teeth at night, consider using a night guard to protect your crown from excessive pressure or fractures.
Good oral hygiene means good dental health and fewer issues in the teeth and gums. So, taking out just a few extra minutes each day for proper brushing and flossing can extend the life of your crown significantly.
Watch What You Eat
Crowns for teeth are like caps used to protect and restore the teeth. If you don’t care for them properly, they can get damaged. Exerting too much pressure on the crown while biting can lead to loosening around the edges. The food you eat can also affect the longevity of your crown. So, you should take care to:
- Avoid biting hard foods like ice or objects like pens, etc., that can damage or loosen the crown.
- Limit eating sticky foods, such as toffees or caramels, that can loosen the crown’s bond.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support overall tooth and bone health.
- Rinse your mouth or brush after sugary snacks or acidic drinks to protect the crown from decay.
Small dietary adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your dental crown strong and secure.
Regular Dental Visits
While you can do all of the above, take good care of your crowns at home, a professional check-up every once in a while is also important. To keep your dental crowns healthy and long-lasting, you must:
- Schedule check-ups at least every six months. Your dentist can monitor the crown to check the crown’s fit, detect early signs of wear, and assess the health of the underlying tooth.
- Go for professional teeth cleaning every few months. Professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that you can’t reach at home.
- Ask your dentist about any signs of wear or looseness. Timely checkups and early fixes can help prevent costly replacements later.
At our Dentist at Dickson family dental clinic, we pride ourselves on providing thorough, gentle care to ensure your crown stays in perfect condition. We use digital X-rays and high-precision scanners to ensure your crown remains well-fitted and comfortable year after year.
What to Do if Something Feels Wrong
Occasionally, you might notice discomfort, sensitivity, or looseness around your crown. These are signs that something needs attention. It might indicate that the crown’s cement has weakened or decay has developed underneath. However, you doing anything by yourself probably won’t help much. So, don’t try to fix it at home; instead, visit your family dental clinic as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can make the problem worse. Contact your dentist promptly to get a professional assessment and avoid complications.
Conclusion
With the right care, your dental crown can protect your tooth and keep your smile bright for many years. Small steps like regular brushing, flossing, eating smart, and going for regular dental check-ups can make a big difference.
If you’re in Canberra and need help caring for your dental crown or getting one placed, visit us at the Dentist at Dickson clinic. Our gentle, experienced dentists use advanced technology and high-quality materials to ensure your crowns look natural and last long.