While dental crowns typically last anywhere between five and 15 years, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to prevent these attachments from falling off. Crowns are often used to restore strength and functionality to a tooth that has been damaged due to decay, cracks or other causes. Depending on the material used to form the prosthetic, it may mimic the look of a natural tooth, enhancing the appearance of the patient’s mouth. While dental crowns do not generally require extensive maintenance, the following tips can help you keep crowns intact for as long as possible.
Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a crown as long as possible. Tooth decay and gum recession can still damage a crowned tooth, especially around the areas where the gum meets the crown. Always remember to brush teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Additionally, daily washing of the mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash can help address bacteria that build up in hard-to-reach places.
In addition to keeping the mouth clean and healthy, there are certain mouth habits and behaviors that can be damaging to a dental crown. Always try to avoid or address the following issues:
Not everyone who struggles with tooth grinding realizes there is an issue, especially since some people may only grind teeth at night. There are several common reasons that can cause this problem, such as stress and anxiety, a misaligned bite or sleep apnea. For some people, severe teeth grinding is what damages the original tooth to begin with, resulting in the need for a dental crown.
Talking with a dentist is a good place to start dealing with teeth grinding issues. A mouthguard can sometimes be made to protect teeth during the night. Try to discover the root of the problem and address any anxiety or sleep disorders. Getting exercise, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, cutting out other chewing behaviors, relaxing the jaws with a warm washcloth and becoming more aware of the habit are all good ways to stop teeth grinding.
Certain foods such as hard candies, crunchy fruits and vegetables, nuts or sticky food items can potentially dislodge the crown. Cutting up food such as apples or chewing food on the other side of the mouth from the crown may help prevent damage. Patients with porcelain crowns need to be extra cautious as this material is more susceptible to breakage than metal or gold crowns.
There are several factors that can affect how long dental crowns will last, including general wear and tear and hygiene habits. Crowns can unexpectedly fall out if a person bites a hard object or grinds teeth together. While porcelain attachments are the most likely to break or fall out prematurely, all patients with crowns should be careful. It is important to continue making regular appointments with a dentist after having crowns placed to help keep the area clean and discover any issues early on.
Request an appointment here: https://astoriadentalspa.com or call Astoria Dental Broadway at (718) 786-8667 for an appointment in our Astoria office.
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