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8 Tips on How to Take Care of a New Dental Crown

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By Lakeshore Dental Studio

Taking care of a new dental crown is essential to ensure it will last for many years and provide the support your teeth need. If you’ve recently had a dental crown treatment, you may not know exactly how to properly take care of it. To help you out, here are five tips on how to take care of a new dental crown.

1: Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene habits are very important when having any type of dental work done, and this includes taking care of a newly placed dental crown. Make sure that you brush twice daily and floss at least once a day so that food particles don’t get stuck in between the crown and your teeth. Additionally, be sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the crown.

2: Visit Your Dentist Regularly

It is important that you visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings even after having a dental crown procedure done. During these visits, your dentist will be able to evaluate the condition of your teeth and perform necessary maintenance on any existing fillings or restorations. This regular checkup will also help ensure that the dental crown is not in need of any additional treatment or care.

3: Avoid Chewing Hard Foods

When taking care of a new dental crown, it is important to avoid chewing hard foods, such as nuts and hard candy. Chewing on these types of food can cause the crown to crack or even break off. In addition, it is important to avoid biting down on extremely hard objects, such as ice cubes and pencils.

4: Use a Mouthguard at Night

It is also recommended to wear a mouthguard while sleeping if you have dental crowns. This will help protect your new crown from any unnecessary damage that may occur while you are sleeping. Your dentist will be able to provide you with an appropriate night guard that fits comfortably over your teeth and gums.

5: Avoid Eating Sticky Foods

When caring for a new dental crown, it is important to avoid eating sticky foods, such as taffy and caramels. Sticky foods can easily get stuck in between the crown and your teeth and are difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing. Additionally, these types of food can cause the dental crown to become loose or even fall out altogether.

6: Protect Your Dental Crown from Trauma

In addition to avoiding certain types of food, it is also important to protect your new dental crown from any potential trauma or injury. This means being careful when participating in contact sports or doing any activity that could potentially lead to a blow to the face. Wearing protective gear, such as a mouthguard, may help minimize the risk of damage to your dental crown.

7: Avoid Chewing Tobacco and Smoking

Chewing tobacco and smoking can both lead to staining of the dental crown over time, which can cause it to look discolored or even yellow. If you are a smoker or chew tobacco, it is important to quit as soon as possible in order to preserve the aesthetic integrity of your new dental crown.

8: Use Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash

When caring for a new dental crown, it is also recommended that you use a non-alcoholic mouthwash. These types of mouthwashes can help prevent bacteria from getting stuck in between the teeth and gums around the dental crown. Additionally, they will kill any existing bacteria that could potentially lead to gum disease.

Conclusion:

Taking care of a new dental crown requires patience and dedication. Following the above tips will help ensure your dental crown gets the necessary treatment and care it needs in order to last as long as possible. Make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, avoid chewing hard foods, use a mouthguard at night, protect your dental crown from trauma and refrain from using tobacco or drinking alcoholic beverages.

FAQs:

Q: How often do I need to visit my dentist for checkups and cleanings?

A: It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help ensure that your dental crown is not in need of any additional treatment or care.

Q: How can I protect my dental crown from trauma?

A: Wearing protective gear, such as a mouthguard, while participating in contact sports or doing any activity that could potentially lead to a blow to the face is an effective way of protecting your new dental crown from potential trauma or injury.

Q: Can chewing tobacco and smoking discolor my dental crown?

A: Yes, chewing tobacco and smoking can both cause staining of the dental crown over time, which can lead to it looking yellow or discolored. If you are a smoker or chew tobacco, it is important to quit in order to preserve the aesthetic look of your dental crown.