Dental crowns are a safe and effective cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the look of your smile. They essentially cover the imperfections on an existing tooth. They can address issues such as chips, cracks, gaps, and misshapen teeth, and can protect a weakened tooth. Caring for your crowns is important when it comes to preserving them. Your oral care routine and how you treat them are factors when it comes to how long they will last. Below you will find helpful tips for how to properly care for dental crowns.

How to Properly Care for Dental Crowns

There are a number of effective strategies to properly care for your dental crowns.

Oral Care Routine:

Maintaining a consistent and effective daily oral care routine is crucial when it comes to your oral health. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush for optimal cleaning. In addition to brushing, floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and gums. If you only floss once a day, floss at night. After meals or in between when you don’t have time to brush, use an antiseptic mouthwash to remove harmful bacteria and leftover food particles. Caring for your dental crowns just as you would your natural teeth can help keep them in good shape.

Regular Dental Visits:

Regular dental visits can help preserve your dental crowns and your oral health. It’s important to visit the dentist at least every six months. For those with a history of gum disease or tooth decay, you may need to visit more often. Regular dental visits are effective in detecting and diagnosing issues early on. This includes both your oral health and your overall health as dentists can detect issues such as cavities and gum disease, in addition to oral cancer. They can also provide you with personalized advice on how to improve your health and maintain your dental crowns.

Avoid Certain Foods:

You should avoid certain foods and drinks with dental crowns. This does not mean that you need to stop consuming them entirely, but use caution when you do as they can harm your dental crowns and impact your oral health. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, foods that are sticky or chewy, sugary foods and drinks, and foods that are highly acidic. These can impact your crowns in a variety of ways as they can cause cracks, chips, and put too much pressure on your crowns. This can result in them becoming loose and may even require replacement.

Lifespan of Dental Crowns

On average, dental crowns last around 15 years. However, some can last up to 30 years making them a worthwhile dental investment. The lifespan of dental crowns depends on a variety of factors, including the type of dental crown you get, the location in your mouth, and how you care for your oral health. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including porcelain, ceramic, gold, or metal. While gold and metal crowns last longer, porcelain and ceramic crowns are both long-lasting and natural-looking. The location of the crown is also an important factor as some teeth experience more stress and pressure than others. Lastly, your oral care routine can play a major part in how long your crowns last. A consistent daily oral care routine and regular dental visits can keep your crowns and oral health in good shape for the long run.

Dental Crowns in Yucaipa

If you have any imperfections in your teeth that you want to address, consider dental crowns in Yucaipa. The team at Shodan Dentistry of Yucaipa are skilled in cosmetic dentistry in Yucaipa, and have helped countless people achieve their desired smile. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!