Dental Crown and Bridge Maintenance: Dos and Don’ts

Dental crown and bridge maintenance play a crucial role in enhancing your smile and restoring oral functionality. However, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure longevity and effectiveness. Here are a few basic strategies to keep your dental crowns and bridges in excellent condition for years.

Essential Tips for Dental Crown and Bridge Maintenance

Maintaining your dental crowns and bridges requires consistent attention. The tips listed below will help ensure their longevity and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Brushing and Flossing

Though this might seem obvious, thorough cleaning is vital. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste. Pay particular attention to the area around the crown or bridge, including the gum line and underneath the restoration (if possible). Flossing daily, especially with a floss threader or water flosser, will help remove plaque and food debris that regular brushing might miss.

Regular Dental Checkups

Schedule regular dental checkups and cleaning sessions with your dentist. This allows your dentist to examine the crown or bridge for signs of damage or decay. It also helps with the early detection of problems, which can prevent more extensive and expensive repairs later.

Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals helps improve oral health. Calcium strengthens teeth and bones, while vitamins and minerals promote gum health. Limiting sugary and acidic foods helps prevent cavities and gum disease, improving the health of the teeth supporting your crown or bridge.

Keep Your Smile Intact with These Dental Don’ts

You can protect your investment and avoid unnecessary dental issues by navigating clear of these don’ts.

Ignoring Pain or Discomfort

If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort around your crown or bridge, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment with your dentist without delay to address minor issues before they become more serious problems.

Chewing Hard or Sticky Foods

Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, nuts, and sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum, as hard or sticky foods can damage or dislodge crowns and bridges.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking and tobacco can stain your crown or bridge. It might also contribute to gum disease, which can loosen the supporting teeth. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and the longevity of your dental restorations.

Improper Flossing

Improper flossing techniques can damage the gum tissue around your crown or bridge. Consult your dentist for the best flossing technique for cleaning around your dental restoration.

Repairing Yourself

Crowns and bridges are delicate restorations. Never attempt to fix a loose, chipped, or cracked crown or bridge yourself. Contact your dentist immediately for a repair or replacement.

Proper maintenance of dental crowns and bridges is essential for preserving their function and appearance. Learn more about dental restorations and oral health from the dedicated team of dentists at Southpoint Family Dentistry. Contact us today.