Investing in dental crowns restores both the aesthetics and functionality of a person’s smile. Unfortunately, daily behaviours may be undermining that investment. Whether a person has recently received dental crowns or has had them for many years, it is essential to understand how everyday activities can affect their durability.
Everyday Habits that Influence Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are designed to last many years, but like natural teeth, they aren’t invincible. Some of the common practices that are silently damaging to your dental crowns are as follows:
1. Chewing Hard Foods and Objects
Crunching ice, biting pens, or biting into hard objects such as nuts can damage not only your natural teeth but also your dental crowns. Although dental crowns are strong, they can still come loose or fracture when excessive pressure is applied. If you have dental crowns in Greenbrier, TN, avoiding these habits can significantly extend their lifespan.
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching their teeth, whether during the night or otherwise, can cause premature wear of their crowns. This constant pressure may make their crowns feel loose or worn out. Using a nightguard will help your crowns remain in good condition.
3. Sticky foods
Chewing sticky gum or candy can pull on the edges of dental crowns, causing them to loosen over time. These types of foods may also create cavities under the dental crown if they get trapped between the gum and the crown.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Although dental crowns in Greenbrier, TN, can be durable, they can be easily damaged if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. A dental crown may develop issues due to plaque buildup, particularly at its edge. Here are some things that you should avoid:
- Not Brushing & Flossing Your Teeth Regularly: This can lead to plaque buildup around the crowns, which can cause decay. Bruising and flossing should be done at least two times a day.
- Skipped Check-ups: If regular check-ups are missed, the dentist may overlook potential problems with loose or damaged dental crowns.
Temperature Sensitivity
If you regularly consume hot and cold beverages, you should also monitor extreme temperatures. Even though crowns can withstand extreme temperatures, rapid changes from hot to cold can cause them to expand and contract, eventually leading to cracks and looseness.
How to Protect Your Dental Crowns
Taking care of your dental crowns in Greenbrier, TN, can be achieved by incorporating simple habits into your lifestyle. Here’s a list of things that you can do:
- Do not bite complex objects, such as pens or ice.
- If you grind your teeth at night, wear a night guard.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep the area around your crowns clean.
- Regular visits to your dentist are required to observe the condition of your crowns.
Protect Your Smile with Greenbrier Dental Excellence
To keep your dental crowns looking their best for the rest of your life, you need to practice good oral hygiene. Greenbrier Dental Excellence is ready to help you and walk you through the proper care of your crowns and smile. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last effectively for 10 to 15 years. However, this can be affected by habits like grinding and eating hard foods.
Do they react to whitening products?
No, they don’t. For a brighter smile, you may opt for cosmetic solutions such as veneers.
What is making my dental crown fall out?
Eating hard foods, grinding, or poor oral hygiene can loosen a crown.
Is it possible to repair a damaged dental crown?
If you notice that your dental crown is loose or cracked, you can consult your dentist to see if it can be repaired. If not, it may require a replacement.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, you can resume eating normally after your crown is placed, but avoid biting ice or hard candies.
How can I prevent dental crown damage?
Brushing and flossing, avoiding hard foods, and using a night guard will help protect your crowned teeth.
Are there special care requirements for dental crowns?
There are no special requirements for caring for dental crowns, though proper oral hygiene is imperative for keeping them in top condition.