By: Dr. Lahiru Chandraweera
March 03, 2024
Your Comprehensive Guide to Dental Crowns and Oral Health
Taking proper care of our teeth is crucial for overall health. While preventing cavities is a fundamental part of dental care, addressing the needs of teeth that require more than just routine treatments is equally important. Dental crowns stand out among these procedures as a restorative option for many people.
Dental crowns protect damaged teeth, restore shape, strength, and appearance, and bridge the gap between minor treatments and major dental procedures. The relationship between dental crowns and oral health may seem complex, but don’t worry—we’re here to make it more understandable.
As we look into dental crowns, remember that this guide is designed with you in mind. We aim to explain how these crowns work in conjunction with good oral hygiene to support your dental health.
Summary of the Content
- Good oral hygiene and dental crowns go hand in hand to preserve a healthy and confident smile.
- Dental crowns protect damaged teeth, restoring their shape, strength, and appearance.
- The success and longevity of dental crowns depend significantly on maintaining good oral health.
- Various types of dental crowns exist, including porcelain, metal, and composite resin, each with unique benefits and considerations.
- Proper care of dental crowns involves regular brushing, flossing, avoiding hard foods, and using mouthguards if necessary.
- Recognising oral health importance can result in early detection and treatment of dental issues, cutting time and resources.
- Good oral hygiene practices include brushing twice daily, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing, limiting sugary snacks, and regular dental check-ups.
- Common issues with dental crowns can include loosening, discomfort, and chipping.
- The relationship between dental crowns and oral health highlights the necessity for meticulous care and regular dental check-ups.
Why Oral Health Matters for Dental Crowns
Keeping the mouth healthy is of the utmost importance. It is the foundation upon which the success of dental crowns and overall dental well-being are built. Dental crowns and oral health are closely linked, with crowns playing a crucial role in restoring and protecting damaged teeth.
Think of dental crowns as the roof of a house. Just as a sturdy house needs a solid foundation, dental crowns require healthy teeth and gum tissues to function effectively.
Oral health affects how well dental crowns fit and last over time. Healthy gums and teeth allow dental crowns to be securely placed, reducing the risk of complications. Moreover, a clean oral environment minimises the chances of potential infection under or around the crown.
Types of Dental Crowns
Exploring different dental crown types helps individuals make choices based on their specific oral health needs and lifestyles. Just like selecting the hardware for a building affects its durability, the dental crown material impacts its dental function. Let’s explore the different types of dental crowns available and how they relate to oral health.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Suited For |
| Porcelain Crowns | Matches natural tooth colour, highly aesthetic | May wear down opposing teeth more than metal crowns, less strong than metal | Front teeth |
| Metal Crowns | Highly durable, less tooth shaving required | Not tooth-coloured, more visible | Molars, where strength is key |
| Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns | Better colour match than metal, more durable than porcelain | Can show metal or wear down opposing teeth, higher cost | Can be used both front and back teeth, but recommended for molars where durability is important |
| Composite Resin Crowns | Less expensive, easy to restore | Less durable, prone to wear and discoloured teeth | As temporary crown or for front teeth or any visible teeth |
| Ceramic Crowns | Aesthetic, suitable for people with metal allergies | May be less durable than metal or PFM | Front teeth where aesthetics are crucial |
Each dental crown type comes with its own set of numerous benefits and considerations. It’s important to consider not just the appearance but also the functionality and compatibility with your oral health needs. Discussing the different dental crown types with an experienced dentist will allow you to select the suitable crown for your situation.
Dental Crown Care Tips
Dental crown care is just as important as maintaining your natural teeth. Proper dental care can extend their life. Here are some practical tips to keep your crowns in good shape:
- Brush twice a day:
Use a gentle, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and crowns. - Floss daily:
Carefully floss around your crowns. - Avoid hard foods:
Chewing on hard foods, like ice or hard candies, can damage your crowns. Avoid them to protect your crowns from cracking. - Wear a mouthguard:
If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your natural teeth and crowns. - Limit staining foods and drinks:
Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits can stain your crowns. Limit these to keep your crowns looking bright. - Regular dental check-ups:
Visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain your crowns and natural teeth in good health.
A little care goes a long way in maintaining both the health and appearance of your smile. Dental crown care involves simple steps that fit easily into your daily oral hygiene routine. By following the tips above, you can enjoy the benefits of your crowns for years to come.
Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining the health of your natural teeth and the longevity of dental crowns. Keeping your entire mouth clean helps prevent active gum disease or tooth decay in the remaining natural tooth structure. To keep your oral health in good condition, follow these simple yet effective steps:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day:
Spend at least two minutes each session, reaching all surfaces of your teeth and crowns. - Floss daily:
Use a dental floss threader or an interdental brush to clean between your teeth and around the crowns. This gets rid of plaque and food debris that your toothbrush can’t reach. - Use antiseptic mouthwash:
An antibacterial mouthwash can help lessen plaque and harmful bacteria. Rinse once a day to boost your oral hygiene. - Limit sugary snacks and drinks:
Sugary foods and beverages can result in plaque buildup and tooth decay. Opt for healthier options to protect your teeth and crowns. - Stay hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth clean by washing away food particles and may reduce the risk of cavities.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’re investing in your overall oral health. Emphasising oral health importance is key to prolonging the life of dental crowns and maintaining the natural teeth they protect.
Common Problems and Recommendations
Even with good dental crown care, individuals may still face a few common issues. It’s important to know these potential issues and how to address them.
- Loose Crowns:
Sometimes, a crown can become loose. This might be due to decayed teeth under the crowns or simply the adhesive wearing off. Visit a dental professional as soon as you notice any crown movement. - Discomfort or Tooth Sensitivity:
After having a crown placed, you might experience sensitivity to hot or cold. This usually diminishes over time but can persist if the crown is slightly high in your bite. For immediate relief, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If discomfort continues, see your dentist to adjust the crown’s fit. - Chipped Crown:
Porcelain crowns can sometimes chip, especially if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects. Your dentist may address small chips, while larger damages may require a crown replacement. - Crown Falls Out:
In some cases, a crown might fall out. This can happen due to improper fit, lack of adhesive, or decay. Keep the crown safe and contact your dentist immediately. Avoid using over-the-counter glues to reattach it. - Gum Disease:
Crowns themselves don’t cause gum disease, but poor dental hygiene practices can cause problems. Maintain rigorous oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Promptly addressing these dental issues can help prevent further complications. Your dentist is your partner in maintaining the health and longevity of your dental crowns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any concerns or questions you might have.
Maintaining Oral Health Post-Crown Placement
Dental crowns serve as a barrier for broken teeth. In addition to fundamental dental hygiene habits of brushing and flossing, you should follow certain guidelines to maintain your dental health. Here are some proactive approaches to keep in mind after a dental crown procedure:
- Regular Dental Check-ups:
These are crucial for catching any potential dental issues early on. Your dentist can monitor the condition of your crowns and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. - Professional Cleanings:
Even with diligent home care, professional cleanings are essential. They can get rid of plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. - Avoiding Damaging Habits:
Beyond hard foods, habits like biting nails, chewing on pens, or using your teeth as tools can also jeopardise your crowns. Being mindful of these habits can help prevent crown damage. - Monitoring Gum Health:
Any signs of redness, swelling, or bleeding should prompt a dental visit to rule out gum disease.
Taking care of your dental crowns means taking care of yourself because they are an investment in your oral health. Understanding oral health importance is crucial for allowing your dental crowns to function effectively. It supports both the aesthetics and durability of your beautiful smile.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has illuminated the path to a healthier, more confident smile. Remember that achieving ideal dental health requires teamwork.
At Hills Family Dental Centre Kalamunda, we’re dedicated to providing personalised oral care that aligns with your dental health goals. Our dental team understands the importance of being informed in each step of your dental health journey.
We invite you to schedule a consultation appointment with us. Reach out to any of our staff by calling or visiting our website. Let’s work together towards a healthy smile.
