Even if you take care of your teeth as you should, dental problems can arise from cigarette puffs or a night of sugar-binging. When your natural smile is weak and isn't shielded against infections and damaging bacteria, dentists might suggest dental crowns in Candler, NC, to restore them. These protective coats are durable but are no strangers to cracks, chips, or discoloring. Here're some tips you can follow if you want your new dental crowns to look natural and pristine.
Tips to Care for Your Dental Crowns
Brush and Floss
After your dentist fixes a dental crown on your weak tooth, you should treat it like you do the other natural members of your smile. Brush your real and artificial teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush tilted at a 45-degree angle, and use it for at least two minutes. Toothbrushes cannot remove plaque and tartar between your teeth and in your tongue, so floss before or after brushing and rinse with mouthwash.
Brushing two to three times a day is the norm, as doing it more frequently could wear down tooth enamel and scratch the surface of your dental crowns. Even though these porcelain covers can't get cavities, the tooth underneath them can still suffer damage, so avoid aggressive or excessive brushing techniques, hard bristles, and abrasive toothpaste.
Stay Away from Sticky and Hard Foods
Brushing and flossing is the first step toward well-groomed dental crowns, but you should keep an eye on foods that can break or stick to your new teeth. Meals that ask for extra jaw and dental pressure can crack crowns, forcing you to leave your tooth unprotected while you get new ones. Sticky foods might appear more harmless, but they can hide in the crevices of your dental crown and put neighboring teeth in danger.
Try to use your other teeth to chew on these foods, watch your intake, and brush when you're done to keep your belly and smile happy. Some meals you should look out for are:
- Ice
- Candy
- Dried fruit
- Potato chips
Don't Bite Your Nails
If eating hard or sticky foods isn't harmful enough for your dental crowns, biting your nails can deal a mortal blow to these coats. Not only is nail-biting terrible for your stomach, but it can also chip your real and fake teeth, giving you an unpleasant-looking and weaker smile. Nail-biting is also a common cause of TMJ disorder because it stresses your upper and lower jaw. Try painting your nails or replacing this nasty habit with healthy snacks, like carrots, apples, or string cheeses.
Schedule Regular Dentist Visits
Finally, regardless of how well you care for your dental crowns at home, you should book follow-up appointments with a dental professional. During these visits, your dentist can see how your smile is adapting to your new tooth and catch and solve any visible problems. Getting dental cleanings twice a year will also guarantee your teeth and crowns remain healthy and don't suffer irreversible damage.
Do You Need Dental Crowns in Candler, NC?
If your smile is weak or needs a glow-up, dental crowns are a lasting solution you can easily care for by brushing, avoiding certain habits, and visiting your dentist. If you'd like to try this restorative dentistry method, contact our team today and book an appointment!