Unfortunately, a small number of patients believe that restorations such as dental crowns mean that it is not quite so important to look after your teeth – after all, porcelain can’t decay. While the latter is true, it is essential for you to continue to pay close attention to your dental hygiene routine if you to retain your natural teeth for as long as possible, and if you want your dental crown to remain functional and attractive for many years too.

Here are some of the best ways to take care of your dental crown.
 

Brushing Your Dental Crown

One of the best things about dental crowns is that they can be brushed and flossed just like a natural tooth. However, there are some specific guidelines that our dentist may recommend that you follow to ensure that your crown remains in excellent condition for as long as possible.

Try and choose a toothbrush with a compact head. This isn’t only beneficial for cleaning crowns, it is actually much easier to manoeuvre a toothbrush with a smaller head around inside your mouth, making it simpler to reach awkward areas.

Pay particular attention to the area where your crown meets the gum. Gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontitis, can cause the gums to recede slightly which will mean they start to pull away from your crown. If this happens, bacteria may be able to penetrate beneath your crown and attack the underlying tooth and its root, causing a range of painful and debilitating problems. It could also affect the durability of your crown.

Floss Your Dental Crown

Flossing is an integral part of your oral care routine. Nevertheless, extra care must be taken when flossing around your crown. Many dentists recommend that you purchase an interdental brush as these are less fiddly to use than conventional floss. However, these cannot always get into the tiniest of gaps that tape floss can. When you floss, be careful to perform the movement horizontally rather than vertically as this reduces the likelihood of you pulling against your crown. While it should be secured firmly in place, pressure pulling it upwards can weaken the bonding and over time, cause it to fail.
 

Choose Fluoride, Every Time

While some people are concerned about using too many products containing fluoride, experts agree that this mineral is essential for healthy teeth and gums. In the case of dental crowns, using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse can help to strengthen the underlying enamel and prevent decay affecting the roots of your teeth. In doing so, it can also help protect you from periodontal disease.

Go for Regular Check-ups with Our Dentist

Our dentist is your partner in your oral health, and regular check-ups provide your professional with the perfect opportunity to assess the condition and health of your teeth, gums and mouth. Spotting potential problems early is very helpful as this ensures you can start treatment quickly, minimizing the damage and effects that the issue can cause. This includes possible problems with your dental crown.
 

If our dentist recommends you for a dental crown, you will be given specific advice on the best way to keep your restoration looking and feeling great. If you have any further questions, even weeks or months after receiving your crowns, do not hesitate to contact us and meet with our dentist, or mention them at your regularly scheduled appointment.