Our teeth are like individual players on a team. When one tooth fails or needs repair, your entire smile suffers until the issue is corrected with the necessary treatment.
At Dr. Anthony Bartels Family Dentistry, we use dental crowns of the highest quality materials so you can have a strong, reliable set of pearly whites. However, it’s important to know how to care for your dental crowns to ensure they last as long as possible and don’t cause issues down the line.
The Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can last for years, even decades. Remember: the better you care for your teeth and gums, the longer your dental crowns will last. The best way to care for your smile restorations is to combine routine exams and cleanings with excellent oral hygiene. Here are some tips for what to do between your bi-annual dental visits:
- Brush your teeth twice daily.
- Floss at least once every day.
- Be aware of what you’re eating and how you use your teeth. For example, don’t use your teeth to open bottles or packages.
- Chewing ice or pen caps can damage your crowns.
- Avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, as they can break restorations.
Foods to Avoid with Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can allow you to enjoy your favorite foods again. However, be aware of what you eat and how hard you bite down on food, as this can damage a dental crown. Also, excess sugary or acidic foods can lead to tooth decay beneath the crown.
Some foods we recommend avoiding to maintain the strength of your crowns are:
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Ice
- Sticky desserts
- Sugary foods
- Crunchy vegetables and fruits like whole apples or fresh carrots
- Chewing gum
- Tough meats
Routine Exams and Cleanings
We recommend visiting the dentist every six months for preventive exams and cleanings. During these visits, your dentist checks your teeth, gums, restorations, and other areas of your mouth for irregularities or potential issues. Routine visits help us catch problems in the early stages before they worsen and lead to more complex or costly treatment.
Although crowns can’t develop cavities, your underlying natural tooth still can! Our team checks your smile to make sure everything looks and feels as it should, and we also clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your smile––including around your dental crowns.
Contact Your Jonesboro Dentist Today
Contact us today to schedule your dental crown consultation or for guidance regarding dental crown care.