Imagine this. You’re out enjoying a meal, and for the first time in a while, you’re chewing comfortably again. No sensitivity. No sharp pain. That kind of relief often comes after getting a Dental Crown.
A crown protects a damaged tooth, restores chewing strength, and helps your smile look and feel natural again. But that leads to one important question. How do you take care of it so it lasts?
A Dental Crown is an investment in your oral health, and like any investment, it needs a little upkeep. But don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might think.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how to keep your crown in great shape. So without any further ado, let’s get started!
What Is a Dental Crown and Why Do People Need It?
A Dental Crown is like a custom-made cap placed over a tooth.
It could be needed aftera large cavity, a crack, a root canal, or even to improve appearance. Once fitted, it acts like a protective shield. You can eat normally, speak confidently, and smile without feeling self-conscious.
But a crown is not indestructible. Even though it is strong and durable, it can chip, loosen, or cause problems if ignored. So, caring for it daily is what keeps it looking and functioning well for years.
The Most Common Problems That Happen to Dental Crowns
Not every crown is smooth sailing forever. Some issues can show up, especially if care is neglected.
- Sensitivity when eating something cold or hot
- Gum irritation where food gets stuck
- Chips or cracks from biting hard food
- Decay is forming underneath the crown because the plaque was not cleaned properly
Think of it this way. A Dental Crown itself cannot get a cavity. But the tooth under it can. That is why habits matter.
Dos: What You Should Do to Protect Your Crown
Let’s start with the habits that actually help your crown stay strong for years. These are simple things — truly part of a normal day — so don’t worry about adding too much to your routine.
Brush Twice Daily With a Gentle Motion
Brushing helps, but your technique is what really protects your crown.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and keep your hand light. Use gentle circular motions, not like scrubbing tiles in a kitchen.
A strong, aggressive brushing technique can irritate gums around your Dental Crown and wear down tooth edges. Gentle brushing protects the tooth underneath and keeps your gums healthy.
Floss Around Your Crown Every Day
Food loves getting stuck around crown edges. When it stays there too long, plaque builds — and that’s when decay sneaks underneath the crown.
Flossing daily prevents this. Slide the floss gently instead of snapping it down.
If traditional floss feels difficult, you can try:
- Water flossers
- Floss picks
- Threaders, if you have tight spaces
Make Professional Cleanings a Priority
Even if you brush perfectly, some plaque still hides in places a toothbrush never reaches.
Professional cleanings help:
- Remove hardened tartar around the crown
- Keep gums healthy
- Lower the risk of decay under the Dental Crown
One cleaning every six months keeps things on track and helps spot early problems before they grow.
Watch What You Chew
A simple rule — treat your crown like a real tooth. It can chip, crack, or wear down if constantly abused.
Try to avoid biting down on:
- Ice cubes
- Popcorn kernels
- Hard nuts
- Metal bottle caps
- Pen caps
Also, be mindful of sticky foods like caramel or chewy candy. Over time, they may pull against the crown and weaken its hold. If you do eat them, chew with the opposite side and rinse with water afterward.
Wear a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth
Grinding (also called bruxism) puts enormous pressure on teeth. A crown can chip or loosen if grinding goes untreated.
You may not realize you grind unless:
- Your jaw aches in the morning
- You wake up with headaches
- Someone tells you they hear grinding at night
A night guard works like a protective cushion. It absorbs pressure and protects your Dental Crown so it lasts longer.
Rinse With Water After Sugary or Acidic Meals
You won’t always have time to brush. That’s okay. A simple rinse helps reduce bacterial activity.
Water helps:
- Neutralize acidity
- Wash away sugar that bacteria feed on
- Reduce plaque buildup around crown edges
Just swishing water for 10 seconds after snacks or dessert makes a noticeable difference.
Don’ts: Habits That Can Damage or Shorten Crown Life
These habits are easy to slip into, but avoiding them will make a big difference in how long your crown lasts.
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
It sounds harmless, but using your teeth to rip tape, open snacks, or pop bottle caps can place strong pressure on your crown.
Teeth aren’t meant to act as scissors or pliers. Your Dental Crown especially can crack if used this way.
- Don’t Bite or Chew Ice
Chewing on ice looks like a harmless habit. But the pressure from biting something that hard can actually create micro-cracks over time.
Those cracks don’t always show right away — but months later, you may feel pain or looseness. Avoid crunching ice and instead let it melt in your mouth if you want cold relief.
- Avoid Sticky Candy
Sticky foods tug at the crown, especially snacks like:
- Caramel
- Chewy toffee
- Gummy candy
- Sticky energy chews
These can pull at the Dental Crown and weaken the seal holding it in place. If you do enjoy sweets once in a while, chew on the other side and rinse with water afterward.
Don’t Skip Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Even though a crown feels like a “new tooth,” the tooth underneath is still real.
Skipping brushing or flossing allows plaque to settle around the crown edges. Over time, decay can form under the crown, and replacement becomes unavoidable.
Good care is easier now than fixing damage later.
Don’t Ignore Pain or Movement
Any sign of:
- Sudden pain
- Sensitivity that lasts
- A feeling that the crown is loose
- Food is constantly getting stuck in one spot
is your signal to call the dentist sooner rather than later. Early attention can prevent the need for a full Dental Crown replacement.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Most crowns last 10 to 15 years. With proper care, many last much longer. Your habits, diet, and oral hygiene routine make the biggest difference.
When Should You Visit Your Dentist?
Call or visit if you notice:
- Constant pain that doesn’t go away
- Crown feeling loose
- Gum swelling or bleeding
- Bad smell or taste that lingers after brushing
You don’t need to wait for something serious. A quick check helps save time and discomfort later.
How Can Pleasant Dental Help?
If you already have a dental crown or think you might need one, Pleasant Dental is here to support you. We help you understand what care is best for your specific situation and guide you in simple steps that fit your lifestyle.
Whether you need a routine check, a crown evaluation, cleaning, or help to stop tooth sensitivity, our team makes the process comfortable and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
A Dental Crown adds strength, comfort, and confidence to your smile. And taking care of it is simpler than you might think.
Small changes in your daily habits, regular checkups, and a mindful approach to chewing can keep your crown strong for many years. Your smile is an investment, and with a little care, it will continue to give back in the best ways.