Dental crowns, also known as “caps,”  are coverings dentists use to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They are most often used when teeth are too damaged or decayed for fillings, but they can also be recommended to improve the appearance of your smile if your teeth are broken or heavily discolored. Before you sign up for this treatment, you should understand what maintenance is required to best care for the new crown.

3 Steps to Care for Your New Dental Crown

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Dental crowns and bridges require the same daily brushing and flossing as your natural teeth. Dentists recommend a toothbrush labeled “soft,” a fluoride toothpaste, and a twice-daily brushing routine. You should also floss every day, unless you have something stuck in your teeth, in which case you should floss to remove that residue.

2. Limit Hard, Crunchy, or Chewy Foods

The “cap” covering goes over your existing tooth and is held in place with special dental cement. While this is a permanent treatment, hard, crunchy, and chewy foods can loosen or crack the cement. To avoid a potential issue, your dentist may recommend avoiding hard candies, nuts or seeds, sticky or sugary foods, or chewing gum.

3. Be Aware of Hot or Cold Foods

Temperature sensitivity is common with dental crowns, especially if you have gum recession. The best way to limit sensitivity is to avoid overly hot or cold foods like coffee, tea, soup, or ice cream. None of these foods will damage your crown, but they can be uncomfortable as you adjust to the new dental implant.

If you’re considering getting a dental crown for general or cosmetic reasons, speak with the dentists at Wayne T. Martin, D.D.D., P.C. in Gulf Shores, AL. Their team has nearly 40 years’ experience in family and cosmetic dentistry, with services ranging from oral exams to dental implants. Call (251) 968-4446 to schedule an exam or visit their website for a breakdown of their oral health services.