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Tips for Dental Crown Cleaning

Dental Designs Clinic Singapore
30 Dec, 2024

Dental crowns are a valuable investment in oral health, helping restore teeth' appearance and function. While crowns are durable, proper care is essential to ensure your beautiful smiles stay in great condition for years.

What Are Dental Crowns and How Long Do They Last?

Dental caps are tooth-shaped restorations that fit snugly around your teeth. These dental restorations restore the function and appearance of a damaged teeth and act as a helmet to prevent further dental injury to the teeth.

These crowns are also a wonderful solution for cosmetic dentistry procedures such as closure of spaces between the teeth or masking discoloured teeth.

Since these crowns resemble natural teeth, they require the same level of proper dental care as our own teeth.

 

How Do I Care For My Dental Crowns?

Whether your crowns are on natural teeth or dental implants, you can treat them like your own.

The dental crowns procedure typically involves multiple dental appointments. Still, with good home care, such as using interdental brushes and regularly brushing your teeth, you can extend the life of your crown. Maintaining oral hygiene after receiving a crown is crucial to avoid future dental issues.

Here are some tips to help you keep your dental crowns clean and in great condition:

 

1) Oral Hygiene at Home (Brushing)

Daily brushing is essential in maintaining good oral hygiene. With a proper brushing technique, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean around your crown. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a cornerstone of good oral hygiene. This simple habit plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy smile and overall health.

Another common misconception is whether a Waterpik, otherwise called a water flosser, can prevent the buildup of food particles. While a Waterpik can help remove some debris, it should not be used as a substitute for dental floss. Flossing physically removes debris and plaque from the tooth surfaces, whereas a Waterpik primarily flushes out loose food particles.

Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine dental helps to reduce bacteria and plaque  around your crown. Make sure to use alcohol-free mouthwash.

 

2) Floss with Care

Flossing is crucial to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around the crown. Use waxed dental floss or a floss threader to avoid snagging. Floss gently to avoid dislodging your crown. To protect the surface of your crown, especially if it is ceramic, use a gentle soft-bristled toothbrush and a good quality fluoridated non-abrasive paste. When flossing, gently pull the floss out sideways rather than snapping it out to prevent potential dislodgement.

Special attention should be given to flossing between the crown and adjacent teeth. This helps prevent food accumulation and preventing plaque buildup. This further helps to keep your gums healthy and gum disease-free.

 

3) Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Protect your crown by avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage it. Foods like ice cubes, nuts, and sticky candies should be eaten cautiously or avoided to maintain the crown’s integrity.

 

4) Habits

Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, can significantly wear down your crown over time. It may also cause the crown to chip away if the habit is not intervened.

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom night guard can protect your crown. Nightguards cushion your teeth and reduce stress on your crown.

If you play contact sports, use a well-fitting sports mouthguard to protect your crown from impacts and minimize damage risk.

nightguard-on-a-retainer-box

 

5) Professional Cleanings

Regular dental checkups every six months with dental professionals at a clinic are essential for assessing the health of your crowns and identifying any potential issues. Professional cleanings can also reduce calculus buildup, improve your oral hygiene, support the crown's overall health, and prevent dental decay beneath them.

During these dental visits, your dentist will check the fit and function of your crown, ensuring it continues to serve you well.

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Conclusion

Proper dental crown care is vital for its longevity and overall oral health. By following these tips and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental crown for many years.

Remember, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to maintaining the health and appearance of your crown. If you need any assistance or have questions, feel free to call or WhatsApp us.