Dental Crown Maintenance Tips from a Salem Dentist

Dental crowns do way more than just cover a damaged tooth—they restore strength, beauty, and confidence to your smile. But to keep them looking and feeling great, proper care is a must! If you’re wondering how to make your dental crowns in Salem, MA, last for years, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into expert tips from your local dentist!

Understanding Dental Crowns: Purpose and Benefits

A dental crown refers to a customized cap placed over a tooth to restore its real shape, strength, and appearance. It’s often needed after a root canal, a large filling, or when a tooth is cracked or weakened.

Benefits of dental crowns include:

• Protecting fragile teeth from breaking.
• Restoring the ability to chew comfortably.
• Enhancing the overall look of your smile.
• Preventing further wear or decay.

Maintaining your crowns properly ensures they keep doing their job and that they last for years without issues. Proper care means fewer trips to the dentist in Salem and a healthier smile every day.

Daily Oral Hygiene Tips for Crown Longevity

The foundation of crown maintenance starts with daily habits. Good oral hygiene is your first line of defense.

Tips for keeping your crowns healthy:

• Brush two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to stop scratching the surface of the crown.
• Floss carefully around the crown to remove food and plaque buildup. Slide the floss rather than snapping it.
• Wash with a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen the natural teeth and gumline around the crown.

Small, consistent steps make a big difference when it comes to caring for your teeth, crowns, and ensuring they stay strong.

Foods to Refrain from to Protect Your Dental Crowns

Certain foods can shorten the life of your crowns. Even if they seem harmless, they can cause cracks, loosening, or even breakage.

Avoid these foods whenever possible:

• Hard candies and lollipops.
• Ice cubes (biting them is risky!).
• Sticky treats like caramel or taffy.
• Very hard nuts.
• Chewy bread with tough crusts.

Instead, opt for softer, easy-to-chew foods. Eating mindfully helps protect your crowns and the natural teeth around them. Your trusted dental clinic in Salem can also give you a personal list based on your eating habits!

Dealing with Teeth Grinding: Protecting Your Crowns

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a serious threat to your dental crowns. It often happens during sleep without you even realizing it.

Signs you might be grinding:

• Morning headaches or jaw pain.
• Flattened or chipped teeth.
• Sore jaw muscles.

Solutions to protect your crowns:

• Wear a custom-fitted nightguard.
• Practice stress-relief techniques during the day.
• Avoid caffeine before bed.

Ignoring grinding can quickly destroy not just your crowns, but your natural teeth too. Don’t wait—get evaluated if you suspect you’re grinding. A quality nightguard can be a simple fix that saves your crowns and your smile.

Managing Sensitivity Around Crowned Teeth

Feeling sensitive after getting a crown is normal for a few weeks, but it should improve over time.

To manage sensitivity:

• Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste.
• Avoid very hot or very cold foods for a while.
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush.

If sensitivity lingers or worsens, contact your dentist. It might mean the crown needs adjustment. Remember, healthy teeth caps feel natural—never uncomfortable.

What to Do If Your Crown Feels Loose or Falls Out

Crowns are strong, but accidents happen. If you notice yours feeling loose or if it pops off:

Do this immediately:

• Gently remove the crown from your mouth (don’t swallow it!).
• Rinse it with water and place it in a small container.
• Call your dentist to schedule a repair or re-cementing.

Don’t:

• Try gluing it back with household adhesives.
• Ignore it and keep chewing on that side.

The faster you act, the easier it is to fix the problem without needing a new crown.

Final Thoughts

Your dental crowns are truly an investment in your smile and your health. Taking small, smart steps daily ensures they last as long as possible. Regular checkups, smart eating habits, and quick action when issues arise keep your crowns—and your smile—beautiful for years. Trust Mass Bay Dental to guide you through your crown care journey. If you’re due for a checkup, schedule your visit today.