Your Dental Crown: Caring For The Cap

It's difficult to speak generally about the dental crown, as it comes in so many varieties. Perhaps more than anything else in the world of dentistry, this application gives a great deal of choice to the patient. Ceramic, gold, and porcelain are the three most popular materials used in the application, which is designed to provide coverage and protection to a tooth that has been damaged in some way. They come in temporary and permanent types and can last anywhere between a few years and the rest of the patient's life, depending on a few factors. If you've been fitted with one of these applications, here are some good practices you can use to care for it. Brushing Upon first receiving your dental crown, many dentists recommend moving to a toothbrush with softer bristles, as you may have sensitive gums following the procedure. It may also be worth looking for toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Other than those two concessions, you will want to continue your usual brushing routine. Dentists also recommend using floss once a day, and sometimes more frequently around the area of the cap. Having said that, dentists maintain that you should be cautious about your flossing method, taking care not to loosen the cap when performing your hygienic regimen. Foods to Avoid It is usually a good idea to keep stickier foods away from your dental crown. Dentists will often recommend staying away from sticky candies and gum altogether after a cap has been placed. Any time you chew on something sticky, the food will actually pull slightly at your teeth on every chew. While this is fine for your strong, natural teeth, it can pose a problem for an application like this. Don't forget that the cap is "glued" to the tooth via oral cement. Eventually (and sometimes immediately), a sticky food that pulls at the tooth may loosen it. Temperature It may be in your best interests to avoid foods and drinks that are too hot or cold, at least upon first getting your dental crown. It's not uncommon to experience some sensitivity in your teeth and gums when you receive a cap. You may not notice this sensitivity when eating foods of a moderate temperature, but something very hot or cold will cause pain. Talk to your dentist about his recommendations when it comes to introducing hot or cold foods into your diet. It may only be something you need to avoid for a week or two following the procedure.