Dental crowns in Markham, ON, also known as caps, are custom-made prosthetic coverings that encase damaged or weakened teeth. These crowns are crafted to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, ensuring optimal functionality and aesthetics. It’s essential to know how to properly care for dental crowns in order to avoid problems and keep your mouth healthy.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Teeth crowns serve a multitude of purposes in restorative dentistry. They are primarily utilized to:

• Strengthen weakened teeth: Dental crowns provide structural support to teeth that have undergone extensive decay, fracture, or damage.
• Improve appearance: Crowns can enhance the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth, restoring symmetry and aesthetics to the smile.
• Restore functionality: By covering damaged teeth with crowns, patients can regain the ability to chew, speak, and bite comfortably.

Tips from a Markham Dentist

1. Oral Hygiene Practices

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is paramount for preserving the integrity of dental crowns. Follow these essential practices:

• Brushing Techniques: Two times daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently clean your teeth and crowns. Employ circular motions to effectively remove plaque and food debris without causing damage to the crown or surrounding tissues.
• Flossing Methods: If you want to keep the space between your teeth and the area surrounding your dental crowns clean, flossing everyday is a must. Use dental floss or interdental brushes to access tight spaces and ensure thorough cleaning.
• Mouthwash Usage: Rinse with an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Choose a mouthwash recommended by your dentist in Markham and use it as directed for optimal results.

1. Regular Dental Check-ups

Keeping up with your dental check-ups is crucial for keeping an eye on your dental crowns and fixing any problems as soon as they arise. Here’s why they’re important:

• Importance of Routine Visits: Schedule biannual dental check-ups and professional cleanings to assess the integrity of your dental crowns, detect potential problems early, and prevent complications.
• Frequency of Dental Check-ups: Follow your dentist’s recommendations for the frequency of dental visits based on your individual needs, oral health status, and the condition of your dental crowns. Some patients may require more frequent visits for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

1. Avoiding Bad Habits

Certain habits can compromise the durability and longevity of dental crowns. Take proactive steps to avoid these detrimental behaviors:

• Avoiding Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth while sleeping (bruxism), wear a custom-fitted night guard provided by your dentist to protect your dental crowns from excessive wear and damage. Bruxism can weaken crowns over time and lead to premature failure if left untreated.
• Avoiding Chewing on Hard Objects: Dental crowns are fragile and may be chipped, cracked, or dislodged if bitted on hard items as ice cubes, pencils, or fingernails. Avoid putting undue strain on the crowns by just using your teeth for eating meals and refraining from utilizing them as tools.

1. Protection During Physical Activities

Engaging in sports or recreational activities poses a risk of dental injuries, especially if you have dental crowns. Here’s how you can protect your smile:

• Wearing Mouthguards: If you want to keep your teeth and dental crowns safe while you play sports, you should get a mouthguard that fits your mouth well. A mouthguard cushions the impact of blows to the face and minimizes the risk of dental trauma or fractures.
• Preventing Accidents: Take precautionary measures to avoid accidents that could result in trauma or damage to your dental crowns. Be mindful of your surroundings, wear appropriate safety gear, and exercise caution during physical activities to minimize the risk of injury.

Common Issues with Dental Crowns

Despite their durability and resilience, dental crowns may encounter several common issues over time, including:

• Decay: Decay can develop underneath or around dental crowns if proper oral hygiene practices are not maintained. Bacteria and plaque accumulation can lead to cavities and compromise the integrity of the underlying tooth structure.
• Wear and Tear: Dental crowns may experience wear and tear due to daily use, chewing forces, or grinding habits. Over time, this can result in deterioration of the crown material, rough edges, or loss of fit.
• Discoloration: Staining and discoloration can occur on the surface of dental crowns due to exposure to pigmented foods, beverages, or tobacco products. Discoloration may also result from aging, wear, or certain medications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining dental crowns is essential for preserving oral health, enhancing aesthetics, and ensuring long-term functionality. By following expert tips from 14th Avenue Dentistry, our dental clinic in Markham, and adopting proactive oral hygiene practices, you can safeguard the integrity and longevity of your dental crowns. Remember to prioritize regular dental check-ups, avoid harmful habits, and protect your smile during physical activities. With proper care and attention, your dental crowns can continue to serve you well and contribute to a healthy, confident smile for years to come.