When you have a tooth crowned, you want it to stand the test of time. If you have a new crown, here are four ways to protect your tooth:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: the best way to protect your teeth from harm is to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Although a crown cannot become decayed, the area where the restoration joins the natural tooth tissue can, so it’s essential to brush twice-daily and floss.
- Wear a mouth guard: if you’re playing sport, and there’s a risk of dental injury, always wear a mouth guard. Even if you’re just messing around or training, it’s essential to protect your teeth and gums. If you don’t already have a mouth guard, we strongly recommend investing in a dentist-made gum shield. These guards offer a perfect fit, and they’re very good quality. We recommend using a mouth guard for rugby, hockey, boxing, martial arts, kickboxing and lacrosse.
- Avoid hard foods: eating certain foods can damage your teeth, and your new crown will not be invincible. Avoid hard foods like boiled sweets and popcorn and don’t crush ice between your teeth. We also advise against using your teeth to bite labels off clothing or take tops off glass bottles.
- Check in with your dentist: we cannot stress the importance of seeing a dentist on a regular basis enough. If you keep up to date with check-ups, you have a much lower risk of dental disease. Every time you have a routine check, your dentist will have a good look at any fillings or crowns you have and make sure they’re in tip-top condition.
If you need any more advice about caring for crowns, our dental team will be happy to help.
Tags: Advice, Crowns, Dental Restorations, Protection
