Dental crowns contribute to a beautiful, healthy smile. They fortify natural teeth that have become excessively worn or badly damaged. With the right maintenance, they can last for 15 years or longer. If you recently had this procedure done and wondering how to best care for these caps, follow the tips below.

How to Maintain Dental Crowns

1. Brush and Floss as Normal

While dental crowns are impervious to decay, you still need to practice your typical oral hygiene routine. Brush for two minutes twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss once daily to remove plaque. This sticky biofilm feeds on sugary food particles and produces decay-causing acids. If it builds up around the dental crown, it can get trapped between the cap and your natural teeth, causing cavities.

2. Abstain From Certain Foods

Foods that pull or pressure the dental cap can result in premature crown damage and replacement. Therefore, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky fares such as chewy caramel candies, pretzels, or carrots. 

Since some prohibited foods are important for radiant health, you should find alternative ways to consume them. For instance, you can grind nuts into a powder-like form or puree vegetables and fruits.

3. Avoid Chewing on Pens and Other Foreign Objects

Chewing on nails, pens, ice, and other nonfood items can cause the dental crown to fracture and break. This habit also damages natural teeth, so you should avoid doing it at all times. In addition to damaging your smile, foreign objects can break off and pierce the gums. Teeth are exclusively for chewing food—they are not tools to open packages or anything else that is not meal-related.

4. Use a Mouthguard 

If you received a dental crown because a tooth wore out due to bruxism, use a mouthguard when resting. This appliance provides a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent wear and fractures from grinding. 

Bruxism is often due to stress, so find healthy outlets, such as meditation, to help with the condition. Massaging the jawbone and refraining from chewing gum also contribute to muscle and bone relaxation.  

For help maintaining your dental crowns, visit Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, in Kaneohe, HI. Offering a full suite of general and restorative dentistry services, this renowned dentist is known for creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for all patients. They specialize in crowns, teeth whitening, dentures, and veneers. Call (808) 235-2121 today to schedule an appointment, and visit the website for additional information on their treatments.