When a tooth is badly damaged by a large cavity or fracture, a dental crown can restore its strength, function and appearance. However, just like all dental work, dental crowns are subject to wear-and-tear and won’t last forever. But by knowing a few tips and tricks for caring for them, you can help your crown last 10-20 years. After all, no one wants to replace their dental work until they absolutely have to! Keep reading to learn how to maintain dental crowns in OKC and find out which foods you should limit or avoid.
Foods To Avoid With Dental Crowns
This can be divided into two categories: foods to avoid in the first few weeks after getting your dental crown, and foods to minimize in order to maintain them long-term.
- Foods to avoid initially – In the beginning, your tooth may be more sensitive to temperature, so avoid very hot or cold foods like soup or ice cream.
- Foods to be careful with long-term – Sticky foods like taffy and caramel, nuts, hard candy, chewing gum, and crunchy vegetables like carrots.
Tips To Care For Your Dental Crown
Everyday habits have a big impact on how long all of your dental work lasts, including dental crowns. Here are some easy ways to help them last:
- Brush and floss well – A dental crown can’t get a cavity, but the tooth structure underneath it can. Make sure to brush twice a day and angle your bristles towards the gumline. Also, don’t forget to floss gently but thoroughly around your crown once a day. You may also want to use a fluoride mouthwash for extra cavity protection.
- Wear a nightguard, if necessary – Nighttime clenching and grinding puts ongoing pressure on both natural teeth and dental crowns. Wearing a nightguard will help to prevent chips and fractures.
- Watch your habits – Don’t chew on ice or use your teeth as tools to open bottles or packages.
- Schedule regular checkups – These visits are important for making sure your dental crowns are functioning well. If a dentist finds any small problems, they can often treat them early on and prevent the need for a replacement crown.
With these simple guidelines to care for your dental crowns, you can look forward to many years of a healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Bradley Mitchell is a family dentist who loves helping people smile with confidence. In addition to providing high-quality dental crowns, he always offers tips to help people maintain them over the long-term. If you’d like more information about caring for dental crowns in OKC or have any questions, he can be contacted through his website.
