How to Keep Your Dental Crown and Gums Healthy
Congratulations on your new dental crown at ATS Dental Clinic! This custom-made restoration is a fantastic way to restore a damaged tooth’s strength, function, and appearance. But just like a prized car, a crown needs proper maintenance to perform its best for years to come.
You might be wondering, “It’s not a real tooth, so how do I take care of it?” It’s a great question. Proper care focuses on two critical areas: the crown itself and the precious gum tissue surrounding it.
This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your crown—and the gums around it—sparkling clean and healthy.
Why Does a Crown Need Special Care?
A crown is expertly cemented to your natural tooth structure. While the crown itself can’t get decayed, the tooth underneath it and the gumline around it are still vulnerable.
The biggest threat is where the crown meets your natural tooth. This margin is a potential entry point for harmful bacteria and plaque. If plaque isn’t removed, it can lead to:
- Tooth Decay: Cavities can form on the natural tooth under the crown.
- Gum Disease: Plaque buildup irritates the gums, causing inflammation (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, more serious periodontal disease.
- Crown Failure: Decay at the base can compromise the seal, leading to a loose crown or the need for a completely new one.
The good news? Preventing these issues is straightforward with a consistent oral hygiene routine.
Your Daily Cleaning Routine: Protecting Your Investment
Think of your crown as a valuable investment in your oral health. These simple daily steps are your best strategy for protecting it.
1. Brushing: Be Thorough, But Gentle
- Frequency: Brush at least twice a day, just like your other teeth.
- Tool: Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Hard bristles can be too abrasive and irritate your gums.
- Technique: Pay special attention to the gumline around the crown. Angle your brush at 45 degrees to gently clean where the crown meets your gum. Use gentle, circular motions.
2. Flossing: The Non-Negotiable Step
This is the most crucial part of crown care. Flossing removes plaque from the critical area between the crown and your gum that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Frequency: Floss at least once a day.
- Technique: Gently slide the floss down the side of the crown. Instead of popping the floss out, pull it out through the side to avoid putting upward pressure on the crown. Be thorough but gentle to avoid harming your gums.
- Helpful Tools: If you find traditional floss tricky, consider:
- Water Flosser: A fantastic tool for cleaning around crowns and bridges. The pulsating water stream effectively flushes out debris from hard-to-reach areas.
- Floss Threaders: Essential for cleaning under a dental bridge if you have one, but also helpful for navigating around crowns.
3. Mouthwash: An Extra Layer of Defense
- Use an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash. Alcohol can be drying and sometimes harsh on restorations. An antibacterial rinse helps reduce plaque bacteria around the crown and gums, promoting overall gum health.
Things to Avoid for Long-Lasting Crowns
- Sticky and Chewy Foods: Avoid things like caramel, taffy, and gum. These can stick to the crown and, in a worst-case scenario, even pull it loose.
- Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard candies, ice, nuts, and bones. While crowns are durable, they can fracture or chip under extreme force, just like natural teeth.
- Teeth as Tools: Never use your teeth (especially a crowned one!) to open bottles, tear packaging, or crack nuts.
Don't Forget Your Regular Dental Check-ups!
Your daily care is vital, but professional cleanings and exams are just as important. During your visits to ATS Dental Clinic, our hygienists have the tools and expertise to:
- Clean thoroughly around and underneath the crown margins.
- Check the integrity of the crown and its seal.
- Assess the health of your gums.
- Identify any potential problems early, before they become serious.
We recommend a dental check-up and cleaning every six months, or as advised by our dentists.
Warning Signs: When to Call Your Dentist
Be mindful of your crown. Contact ATS Dental Clinic promptly if you experience:
- A sensation of movement or a loose crown.
- Pain or sensitivity when biting down.
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums around the crown.
- A strange taste or Odor, which could indicate a broken seal.
Your Crown is Built to Last. Help It Do Its Job!
A well-made and well-cared-for dental crown can easily last for 10-15 years or even longer. By following these simple steps—meticulous brushing, daily flossing, and regular professional care—you are ensuring the long-term health of your crowned tooth and the beautiful smile it helps create.
Have more questions about caring for your dental crown or concerned about your gum health? The team at ATS Dental Clinic is always here to help. Schedule your next check-up with us today!
