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Did you know a dental crown can last 15 years or even longer? No one wants to pay for a dental procedure twice, and with proper care of your crown it’s possible to get a really long life out of it.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most important do’s and don’ts of caring for your crown, along with professional tips to keep your smile healthy.
How Caring for Dental Crowns Extends Their Life
While dental crowns are quite durable, they certainly aren’t indestructible. Most crowns are made from porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, which are all strong materials, but if even your natural tooth can break from wear down and bad habits, so can your crown.
Good oral hygiene and healthy daily habits will:
- Extend the lifespan of your crown
- Prevent gum disease and decay around the crowned tooth
- Keep your bite comfortable and your smile looking natural
Learn more about dental crowns here.
Do’s: Best Practices for Crown Care
- Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are crucial for keeping bacteria and plaque away from your crown. Pay special attention to the gumline, as decay can still form at the edge of a crown.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a fluoride toothpaste and replacing your toothbrush every three to four months for best results.
- Floss Around the Crown Correctly
Flossing for a crown is a little different than flossing your natural teeth. You want to be sure to floss gently up and down rather than side to side. You might be accustomed to flossing aggressively with your natural teeth, but being to aggressive can loosen the crown over time.
If you find traditional floss tricky, try a water flosser, which can be more gentle around dental restorations.
- Protect Against Teeth Grinding
If you clench or grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), your crown may wear down faster. Ask your dentist about a custom nightguard to protect both your crown and natural teeth.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Visiting your dentist every six months allows them to check the fit of your crown, monitor for decay, and catch issues before they become painful.
Don’ts: Habits That Can Damage Your Crown
- Don’t Chew on Hard Objects
Crowns are strong, but biting down on ice, pens, hard candy, or nutshells can chip or crack them. Stick to chewing food only and avoid habits like nail-biting.
- Don’t Ignore Sensitivity or Pain
Mild sensitivity after crown placement is normal. But if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or an uneven bite, don’t wait schedule a dental visit. These could be signs of decay beneath the crown or that the crown has loosened.
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Opening bottles, tearing packages, or holding items with your teeth can stress or break your crown. Always reach for scissors or the proper tool instead.
- Don’t Skip Flossing Because of a Crown
Some patients worry flossing will “pull off” a crown, but when done correctly, flossing helps prevent gum disease and cavities at the crown margin. In fact, neglecting flossing increases the risk of crown failure.
Eating and Drinking with a Crown
The goal for your crown is to be able to eat and drink like normal. There are definitely a few things to keep in mind moving forward though:
- Limit sticky foods (like caramel and chewing gum), which can pull at the crown.
- Avoid overly hard foods (like popcorn kernels, ice, or hard pretzels) to prevent cracks.
- Be mindful with staining foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, and dark sauces. While the crown itself won’t stain easily, the edges of your natural teeth can discolor and create contrast.
For a crown that looks and feels its best, pair a healthy diet with excellent oral hygiene.
What If a Crown Becomes Loose or Falls Off?
No need to panic. While it’s not ideal, crowns do loosen or fall off occasionally.
If this happens:
- Save the crown if it’s intact. Place it in a small container and bring it to your dentist.
- Call your dentist right away for a repair or replacement appointment.
- Avoid chewing on that side until the crown is reattached.
Now is not the time to try DIY tactics on your own. Do not try to glue the crown back on with household products. Your dentist will give you the best course of action until they are able to see you.
How Long Do Crowns Last with Proper Care?
On average, crowns last between 10 and 15 years, though many last longer with excellent care. Factors that affect crown longevity include:
- Oral hygiene habits
- Diet and lifestyle (grinding, smoking, etc.)
- Material of the crown (porcelain, zirconia, gold, etc.)
- Frequency of dental visits
A dental crown is an investment in your oral health and your smile. With the right habits, your crown can look and function beautifully for many years. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll protect your crown, maintain your overall dental health, and avoid costly repairs.
Ready to learn more about crowns or schedule your next visit? Our Phoenix and Gilbert dental team is here to help.
