How Should I Care for My Crown Long-Term – Advice from Dr. Tim Barlow

Dental crowns do a great job of restoring damaged teeth and boosting your smile. Once you get a crown, you want it to stick around for the long haul, and honestly, how you care for it makes a huge difference. Dr. Tim Barlow has some foolproof advice to help you keep your crown looking and feeling its best for years to come.

Why Taking Care of Your Crown Matters

Crowns are sturdy enough to handle everyday chewing, but they’re not invincible. Over time, a crown can wear down, crack, or even come loose if you’re not careful. Good care keeps your crown solid, protects your other teeth, and helps you dodge expensive repairs.

Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns need daily attention—brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits all help your crown do its job and keep your smile healthy. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Stay on Top of Oral Hygiene

• Even though a crown covers your tooth, the tooth underneath still needs protection from bacteria and plaque. Brush and floss every day to keep the gum line and the edges of your crown clean.
• Brush with a soft toothbrush. It’s gentle on your crown and your gums.
• Take your time—two minutes, twice a day. Pay special attention to how your crown meets your gum.
• Floss daily. Carefully work the floss around your crown to keep debris out without pulling too hard.

2. Watch What You Eat

Crowns are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. Biting into hard candies, ice, or sticky foods like caramel can crack or even loosen a crown. Play it safe and stick with softer foods. If you do eat something hard, turn it into small pieces first to take some pressure off your crown.

3. Protect Your Teeth from Grinding

Grinding your teeth (bruxism) is rough on crowns. It can wear them down or even break them. If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, or if your dentist spots signs that you grind your teeth, ask about a custom night guard. It cushions your teeth and helps your crown last longer.

4. Don’t Skip Dental Check-Ups

A crown in no way justifies skipping the dentist. At regular check-ups, your dentist checks your crown for chips, cracks, or other problems. Sometimes they’ll take X-rays to see how the tooth under the crown is doing. Catching issues early makes repairs easy and less expensive.

5. Watch Out for Stains

Most crowns resist stains, but over time, things like coffee, tea, and tobacco might dull their shine, depending on the material. If you want to keep your crown bright, reduce consumption of these drinks. Or, if you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

6. Know When to Call Your Dentist

If your crown feels loose, hurts, or you spot a crack or chip, don’t wait for it to get better by itself. Let your dentist know right away. Getting professional help quickly can save you from serious problems, like infections or the need for a whole new crown.

Keep Your Crown Strong and Your Smile Bright

Taking care of a dental crown isn’t complicated. Stick to good oral hygiene, avoid hard and sticky foods, protect your teeth if you grind them, and see your dentist regularly. Dr. Tim Barlow always tells his patients, “These simple habits help your crown last and keep your smile healthy.”

Your crown is an investment in your smile. With just a little effort, you’ll keep it strong and looking great for years.

FAQs

Q1: How long will my dental crown last?

A dental crown can last between 10 to 15 years, depending on the material used and how well you care for it.

Q2: Can a dental crown fall off?

Yes, crowns can become loose or fall off if the underlying tooth is damaged or the cement wears away. If this happens, contact your dentist promptly.

Q3: Do I need to avoid foods with a crown?

It’s a good idea to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your crown. Softer foods are better for long-term care.

Q4: Will my dental crown stain over time?

While dental crowns resist staining, some foods and beverages can cause discoloration. Maintaining a healthy diet can help minimize this risk.

Q5: How can I protect my crown from grinding?

If you grind your teeth, wearing a custom mouthguard at night can help protect your dental crown from damage.