Dental crowns are cemented on top of your teeth and can treat many conditions, from large cavities to chipped teeth. These dental restorations look similar to your natural teeth, so nobody will notice you have had dental work. However, to keep your dental crowns in good shape, proper aftercare is critical.

Here are a few tips for taking care of a dental crown.

Limit Certain Foods

Although dental crowns are durable, they can still suffer damage from certain foods. Try to limit your consumption of hard and sticky foods, such as candy, popcorn, and caramel for the first few weeks after getting a crown. These foods can dislodge your crown.

Stop Using Your Teeth as Tools

Do you have a habit of chewing on non-food items, like ice or pencils when you are stressed? Do you use your teeth to open various items? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it is time to stop. These habits can harm crowns just like they can harm your natural teeth. 

If you continue to use your teeth as tools, you risk breaking your dental crown.

Do Not Skimp on Oral Hygiene

Just because you have a dental crown, does not mean you can neglect your oral hygiene routine. If you do not brush and floss every day, plaque can get trapped underneath your crown and impact your natural teeth and gums. To avoid unnecessary problems, do not forget to brush your teeth and crown with a soft bristle toothbrush and to floss daily.

Continue to See Your Dentist

If you get a crown, you have another good reason to see your dentist every six months for a checkup. In addition to inspecting your teeth and gums, your dentist will check on the condition of your crown. If your dentist detects problems with your crown, he or she can fix them accordingly.

Ask Your Dentist About a Custom Mouth Guard

If you grind your teeth at night, you do not just risk harming your natural teeth. Grinding can also damage your dental crown over time. Your dentist can create a custom mouth guard that will prevent you from clenching down on your teeth while you sleep.

A dental crown is a big investment, so it is important to take good care of yours. If you have additional questions about aftercare instructions, do not be afraid to reach out to your dentist right away.

Contact a dental office like Dr Taylors Family Dental Center for more information.