Crowns and Bridges

How to Best Care for Your Dental Crowns and Bridges

When you have had restorative dental work such as dental crowns or dental bridges, you will want to take care of them so they will last as long as possible. Although they are designed to last for 10 to 20 years, sometimes they can become loose or even fall out.

The main cause of a dental bridge or crown failure is dental disease. You can take steps now to prevent oral problems by developing and maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

• Brush your teeth a minimum of two times a day, or following each meal. Brushing is the best way to prevent calcium buildup and plaque on your teeth and restoration work. Dental plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria that feeds on the debris in your mouth, producing toxins. When you remove the plaque from your teeth the toxins are also removed, leaving your mouth healthier.
• Flossing once a day is essential. If you have a dental bridge, you must clean underneath it. Special flossing tools are available to help you accomplish this. When you clean around your dental crowns, be careful not to pull upwards on the floss, but instead to draw the floss through so as not to put undue pressure on the crown, perhaps loosening it.
• Anti-bacterial mouth rinses are an excellent way to reduce bacteria in the mouth that leads to plaque and decay.
• Do not eat hard or sticky foods, especially hard or gummy candy. Never chew ice, as this can damage your dental crowns or bridges, requiring you to visit the dentist again for repairs.
• Eat foods that are high in nutrients, especially calcium, ensuring that your teeth, gums and bones stay healthy and able to support your dental restoration.
• Always be certain to visit your dentist regularly for professional checkups and cleanings.

Your dental crowns and bridges will have increased longevity if you follow these tips. Talk to Sarasota dentist Dr. Back for more information.