Did you know that dental crowns can get damaged? Caring for a dental crown can make it last longer and save you money on restorations in the future. Whether you have a new crown or an old one, you can make it last longer if you follow a few simple rules. Here are some tips from our dental team on how to make your dental crowns last.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Depending on the type of material they’re made from, dental crowns can last up to 30 years. However, they often need to be replaced sooner due to accidental damage or further tooth decay. Losing or breaking a crown is a dental emergency, and it happens more often than you might think.
That’s why the biggest factor in how long a crown will last is how well you care for it. With proper care, you can avoid accidental damage as well as tooth decay in the root that supports the crown. Follow these tips to make sure your crown lasts as long as possible.
Five Tips for Caring for a Dental Crown
1: Establish a Daily Routine
A solid dental care routine can help you maintain good oral health, lessening the chance that problems like gum disease or tooth decay do not move to the natural structure under your dental crown. Oral care routines should include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using a mouth rinse once a day.
2: Choose the Right Products
The products that you choose for your oral care routine matter as well. Look for soft-bristled toothbrushes, toothpaste with fluoride, and an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Why? Well, toothbrushes with stiff bristles can cause divots in the material of your dental crown, while alcohol can deteriorate their bonds and the surface material of the crown. And although fluoride won’t have any effect on your crown, it prevents the tooth decay that can spread from your other teeth to the root that supports the crown.
3: Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods
Biting down on hard things like ice cubes, popcorn kernels, or nuts can cause accidental damage. Just like natural teeth, crowns can also crack and break. Sticky foods should also be avoided, because they pull on the crown, weakening the bond. Sometimes sticky foods can even pull a crown right off.
4: Consider a Mouth Guard for Sleep
Clenching or grinding your teeth at night can cause significant tooth damage. The pressure can crack both natural teeth and crowns, and cause jaw pain, headaches, and other problems. Wearing a mouth guard at night can prevent the negative effects of teeth grinding.
5: Visit the Dentist
Visiting your dentist twice a year is one of the best means of caring for a dental crown. Your dentist will be able to detect any damage or decay that might compromise your crown.
Dental Crown Care in Flagstaff Arizona
Here at Country Club Dental, we understand the importance of making sure your dental crowns last a long while. Our team of highly trained dentists and skilled hygienists will help you make them last for years to come.
Not only do we offer extensive exams and cleanings, we also have the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and help you build a dental care routine that is tailored to your lifestyle. Contact us today to book an appointment with Dr. Paul Whitney or Dr. Mikaela Weedman.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/8/24). Photo by Quang Tri NGUYEN on Unsplash
