Dental Crowns: Four Important Tips for Preventing Damage

Proper care for your new dental crowns will ensure prolonged life after installation. Moreover, the maintenance will keep your teeth beautiful and minimise uncomfortable dental appointments. Keep in mind that the specific lifespan of crowns depends on the material and the quality of the product. Therefore, you should discuss your needs and concerns with your physician before going through the procedure. Regardless of your choice, here are essential tips for protecting your dental crowns from accelerated damage.

Maintain Oral Health

Dental crowns will last longer if you are diligent in maintaining your oral health. Poor cleaning practices will allow bacteria to thrive around the crown. The tooth beneath it will become more vulnerable to decay. Also, the adjacent teeth might develop harmful plaque. Moreover, the crown could experience significant discolouration over time. You can avoid these problems by establishing a schedule for brushing and flossing. Additionally, use quality toothpaste and replace your toothbrush as advised by your dentist.

Consider A Mouth Guard

If you have a problem with teeth clenching or grinding, consider getting a mouthguard from your dentist. A custom guard will prevent your upper and lower teeth from coming into contact. Teeth grinding is often experienced at night, so you can get this device for use at night. Keep in mind that uncontrolled teeth grinding will not only cause wear. This problem could increase the risk of crown fracture. Moreover, in some cases, a root fracture could occur. If you are uncertain about your tooth grinding habits, monitor yourself through sleep recordings or have someone check up on you.

Plan for Maintenance

Dental crown maintenance will prevent failure of the treatment. Therefore, follow the schedule recommended by your dentist for a check-up after the placement of the crown. Do not miss your appointments even if your crowns feel fine. Also, consider any discomfort after the placement of the crown. If you cannot get used to the crown due to pain or poor bite, consult your dentist immediately for correction. Do not ignore problems that could result in infections or tooth damage. Additionally, plan for immediate treatment if your crown is damaged.

Monitor Bad Habits

Finally, think about your bad dental habits. Some practices could damage your crowns and necessitate extensive repairs. For example, chewing on ice can cause fractures, and smoking could increase the risk of staining. Avoid these practices to ensure prolonged crown life. Also, reduce your intake of staining beverages like coffee and hard foods like almonds. Additionally, use a mouth guard during physical activities, especially contact sports. 

Contact a dentist who offers dental crowns in your area to learn more.