Ask the Dentist: Dental Crown Care

Q. How should I care for my dental crown?

A. Dental crowns that are well made and well cared for should last for many years. The best way to care for them will be a combination of regular visits to your dental specialist / dentist and good oral care routines.

Brush your teeth

Brush at least two times a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, for two minutes each time. It is important to brush along the gum line to remove the plaque that has accumulated.

Floss daily

Dental crowns trap food remnants the same way as our natural teeth. Flossing will help to remove them and prevent infection and gum disease. If you have a single crown, pull the floss outward (towards the outside of your mouth) instead of upward/downward (towards the opposite jaw).

Watch your diet

Avoid a high sugar diet as the tooth underneath the crown can still be prone to cavities and gum disease. It is also recommended for you to avoid biting on hard foods where your dental crowns are placed to prevent it from breaking or chipping.

Visit your dentist

As you may not sense the presence of dental problems around your crown, routine dental check-ups are crucial in maintaining the longevity of your dental crown. It allows your dentist / dental specialist to detect any issues early and prevent the need for major repair works.