A dental crown at our Cherry Hill, NJ practice can restore a decayed or damaged tooth. This custom-made restoration fits over the entire tooth structure, adding strength and reinforcement for optimal oral health. Even though crowns are incredibly durable, it’s still important to care for them properly. Today, Dr. Julie Kardon and our team at TLC Dental Center explain how to maintain your new restoration and preserve it for many years to come.
If you recently received a dental crown in Cherry Hill, NJ, it’s important to care for it properly. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment at TLC Dental Center, call us at (856) 667-1001.
What is the average lifespan of a dental crown?
Most dentists agree that the average dental crown lasts about 10 to 15 years. However, with appropriate maintenance and care, it’s not uncommon for these restorations to last 25 to 30 years. Due to today’s advanced dental materials, some crowns may even last longer.
Brushing and Flossing a Dental Crown
Fortunately, dental crowns don’t require any extra hygiene steps. But how you brush and floss your restoration can affect its longevity. For example, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive paste. Hard brushes and harsh whitening pastes can actually damage the surface of your crown, especially if it’s made from ceramic.
It’s also important to use caution while flossing. Once you clean in between the teeth, gently pull the floss through the space instead of “snapping” it out. This helps prevent dislodgment.
Be sure you brush at least twice a day and once daily. Remember, just because your tooth is covered with a crown doesn’t mean you’re impervious to decay. The underlying tooth structure can still be vulnerable to cavities.
Food and Drinks to Avoid
To maintain your dental crown in Cherry Hill, NJ, our team recommends steering clear of certain foods and drinks. These include:
- Hard, crunchy foods like nuts, popcorn, and candy
- Chewy foods such as taffy and caramel
- Stain-causing beverages, such as tea, coffee, red wine, and colas
Kicking Bad Oral Habits
It’s also important to avoid certain behaviors and habits that could damage your dental crown. For example, you should never chew on ice or bite your fingernails. Furthermore, avoid using your crowns (or natural teeth) to pull tags off of clothing, open packages, or other damaging habits. These behaviors can dislodge your crown over time.
Additional Tips
Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep your dental crown looking and feeling great:
- Consider using a desensitizing toothpaste, which can help reduce post-treatment sensitivity.
- Chew food on the other side of your mouth as much as you can. This is especially important during the first week or two after you receive your crown.
- Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash. This helps sweep away bacteria in hard-to-reach areas and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
- Be sure to visit the dentist regularly. Routine exams and cleanings help Dr. Kardon assess your crown and detect any potential problems early on.
Learn More about Dental Crowns in Cherry Hill, NJ
Are you interested in learning more about proper dental crown maintenance? Contact a team member at (856) 667-1001. TLC Dental Center has been serving the Cherry Hill, NJ community for over 15 years. We can help you achieve and maintain the healthy, beautiful smile you desire.