Dental crowns are an investment in the future of your oral health, and protecting that investment is important. Dr. Marc Page and Dr. Lawrence Page, your dentist in Providence, Rhode Island, want all of their patients to be educated about the best practices for taking care of their teeth and the restorations they need. If you have a tooth with a crown on it or will be getting one soon, read on to learn how you can maintain them for many years to come.
A sticky situation
One of the riskiest things you can do when you have a dental crown is indulging in sticky, chewy candies like taffy or caramels. These delicious but detrimental treats can stick to a dental crown and dislodge it upon chewing, resulting in repair or possible replacement of the entire crown. While your Providence dentist already recommends all patients keep their candy consumption to a minimum, those with crowns should definitely steer clear of anything that acts like glue!
Hard to handle
Similarly, hard, crunchy foods could spell disaster for a crown. Ice, hard candy, nuts - biting down on any of these could cause your crown to loosen or break. Crowns from your Providence dentist are designed to last a long time, at least a decade, and you can extend their lifespan by being careful about what you eat.
Hygiene at home
Caring for your crowns is as simple as following your Providence dentist's guidelines for everyday dental care. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Flossing can be a bit more tricky; crowns close the spaces between the teeth, which can make it more difficult to floss between them. Interdental brushes instead of string or tape-style floss can be more effective when you have crowns. Finally, staying up-to-date on your checkups at Page Family Dentistry is essential to make sure that the crown is stable and that the tooth underneath remains healthy.
For more information about crowns, or to schedule an appointment with us, contact Page Family Dentistry in Providence, Rhode Island at (401) 421-9350.