Many of us have had to get dental crowns at some point. They are a great way to protect your teeth and restore their shape, but they can be expensive and require upkeep if you want them to last. This blog post explores the tips and tricks you can use to make your dental crowns last longer.
How To Make Your Dental Crowns Last Longer
Dental crowns are important to your smile, so you want to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to make your dental crowns last longer:
1. Practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
2. Avoid chewing on hard objects. Your teeth are designed for biting and chewing food, but not for chewing on hard objects like ice or candy. Chewing on hard objects can damage your crowns and cause them to break or lose.
3. Be careful with what you eat and drink. Avoid sticky or hard foods, which can pull your dental crowns off. Also, avoid sugary drinks like soda, which can contribute to tooth decay.
4. Don’t grind your teeth. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can damage your dental crowns and cause them to break or come loose over time. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about getting a mouthguard to wear while you sleep.
Why Crowns Break and What You Can Do About It
It’s no secret that dental crowns can be expensive. And while they are designed to last for many years, they sometimes break or become loose. If this happens, it’s important to understand why it may have happened and what you can do about it.
There are a few different reasons why dental crowns may break or come loose. One common reason is due to tooth decay underneath the crown. If the tooth decay is not treated, it can cause the crown to become loose or even fall out.
Another reason for a loose or broken crown is gum disease. Gum disease can cause the gums to recede, loosening the crown’s fit. Additionally, if there is an infection in the gums, it can also lead to a loosened or broken crown.
If your dental crown becomes loose or breaks, it’s important to see your dentist immediately. They will be able to determine the cause and recommend treatment accordingly. In some cases, the crown may need to be replaced. However, if the underlying problem is treated early, often, the crown can be saved.
Six Great Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dental Crowns
1. Avoid Chewing Hard Foods: This can put unnecessary pressure on your dental crowns and cause them to break or become loose. Stick to softer foods that are easier on your teeth.
2. Be Careful with Your Toothbrush: Use gentle circular motions rather than scrubbing back and forth when brushing your teeth. This will help avoid putting too much pressure on your crowns and damaging them.
3. Floss Regularly: Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from around your teeth, which can help extend the life of your dental crowns. Be sure to floss carefully so as not to damage your crowns.
4. Visit your dentist regularly: Routine dental checkups and cleanings can help keep your teeth healthy and identify any potential problems early on before they have a chance to damage your dental crowns.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking is bad for oral health and can also discolor crowns over time. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for the longevity of your dental crowns (and your health).
6. Follow up with your dentist after treatment: After having a dental procedure such as a root canal or tooth extraction, it’s important to follow up with your dentist as recommended to ensure that everything heals properly and that there are no complications that could affect the longevity of your crowns.
Even though a tooth that has been crowned does not require any extra care, keep in mind that just because a tooth has been crowned does not mean that the tooth underneath it is protected from decay or gum disease. As a result, keep up good oral hygiene habits like flossing once a day and brushing your teeth at least twice a day, especially around the crown, where the gum meets the tooth.
Dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years. A crown’s lifespan is determined by how much “wear and tear” it is subjected to, how well you maintain good oral hygiene, and your own oral habits (such as not grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails, and using your teeth to open packages).