Dental restorations can be extremely beneficial for preserving your oral health. But if you don’t care for them properly, they could fail to be efficient. With proper maintenance and chewing habits, a dental crown in Hillsborough, NC, could last up to fifteen years before needing to be replaced. The first 24-48 hours tend to be the most crucial to ensure your crown sets properly. However, you still need to care for your crown and protect it from damage every day after treatment.
How to Care for a Dental Crown in Hillsborough, NC
Dental crowns are designed to be long-lasting and durable. However, they aren’t impervious to damage. Most crowns are made from a ceramic or porcelain material that can be color-matched to your teeth. While this material isn’t as affected by plaque as your enamel, you still need to keep your crown clean. By following these aftercare tips, you could help your crown protect your teeth for a long time.
Do Brush and Floss Twice a Day
Brushing and flossing around your crown is crucial to help prevent plaque buildup. Plaque and harmful bacteria can still affect your neighboring teeth, gums, and even the natural tooth under your crown. You should aim to brush and floss at least twice a day to help keep your mouth clean and healthy. You may also want to consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to help improve your oral hygiene.
Don’t Pull Up With Floss
When flossing, it’s vital that you pay attention to the angle and pressure of your thread. Flossing around your crown should be easy; if you do notice resistance or fraying, you may need to make an appointment for an adjustment. Once you’ve finished flossing around your tooth, don’t pull up with the thread. This can sometimes cause the floss to catch on the crown and loosen it. Instead, pull the floss out through the front or back to help keep your crown secure.
Do Maintain a Healthy Diet
The foods we eat can affect our oral health in many ways. Avoiding foods high in sugar and acidity could help protect your enamel and prevent cavities. And adding foods rich in protein and minerals could help strengthen your natural teeth. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods that are particularly gummy or chewy, especially the first few days after treatment, as these could cause your crown to loosen or fall off.
Don’t Avoid Your Dental Appointments
Seeing your dentist regularly is key to maintaining the health of your dental crown. During your routine appointment, your dentist may be able to spot early warning signs of damage or decay. Getting treatment as soon as possible could help keep your oral health high and your dental crown strong.
If you need a dental crown, Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help. Call our office today at 919-587-8401 to schedule a consultation and see if a dental crown is right for you.