Dental crowns and veneers are great solutions for improving your smile and protecting your teeth. They are designed to be durable but still need proper care to last a long time. Knowing how to care for them will help you avoid problems and keep your smile looking its best.
Understanding which foods and habits to avoid can also protect your crowns and veneers from damage. Hard or sticky foods can crack or loosen them, while bad habits like nail biting or using your teeth as tools can cause unnecessary strain. It’s essential to be mindful of these factors and make choices that will preserve your dental investments.
Sunnybrook Dental is hosting a food drive to help our community this November. Bring in any canned good item, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for an Oral B iO electric toothbrush! This is a beautiful way to give back and take a step towards better oral health.
Daily Care Tips for Dental Crowns and Veneers
Following simple steps can make caring for dental crowns and veneers straightforward. Consistent oral hygiene can help keep them in great shape for years.
1. Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently to avoid damaging your crowns and veneers. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth.
2. Floss Regularly: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and around your crowns and veneers. If you have concerns, use dental floss designed for sensitive teeth.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill germs that cause plaque and tooth decay. Swish the rinse around your mouth for 30 seconds for the full benefit.
4. Avoid Hard Brushing: Brushing too hard can wear down the surface of your crowns and veneers. Gentle brushing is sufficient to keep them clean.
5. Wear a Night Guard if Needed: If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can protect your dental work from damage. This is especially important if you habitually grind or clench your teeth.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can maintain the appearance and function of your dental crowns and veneers.
Foods and Habits to Avoid to Protect Your Dental Crowns and Veneers
Certain foods and habits can harm your dental crowns and veneers. Avoiding these can help your dental work last longer.
1. Hard Foods: Avoid biting down on hard foods like ice, nuts, and hard candies. These can crack or chip your crowns and veneers. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces to make them easier to chew.
2. Sticky Foods: Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gummy candies. These can pull at your crowns and veneers, potentially loosening them.
3. Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugary foods and drinks can lead to plaque buildup around your dental work. To reduce this risk, choose healthier snacks and beverages, like fruits and water.
4. Use Teeth as Tools: Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles. This puts unnecessary stress on your crowns and veneers and can cause them to crack or break.
5. Chewing on Non-Food Items: Do not chew on pens, pencils, or other non-food items. This bad habit can damage your dental work and natural teeth.
6. Grinding and Clenching: Grinding or clenching your teeth puts pressure on your crowns and veneers. Consider wearing a mouth guard at night to protect them.
By avoiding these foods and habits, you can help ensure that your dental crowns and veneers remain in good condition. Remember, maintaining your dental work is easier when you make mindful choices about what you eat and how you use your teeth.
Handling Common Issues with Dental Crowns and Veneers
Even with the best care, issues can arise with dental crowns and veneers. Knowing how to handle common problems can save you time and discomfort.
1. Sensitivity: It’s common to experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks after getting crowns or veneers. This usually reduces over time. If sensitivity persists, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoid extremely hot or cold foods.
2. Chips or Cracks: If a crown or veneer chips or cracks, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Avoid chewing on the affected side until your appointment. Sometimes, minor chips can be smoothed out, but a large crack might require a replacement.
3. Loose Crowns or Veneers: If you feel your crown or veneer is loose, avoid chewing on that side and contact your dentist immediately. They can re-cement it to ensure it remains securely in place.
4. Staining: Although crowns and veneers are stain-resistant, the bonding material isn’t. Avoid foods and drinks that stain, like coffee or red wine. Brush promptly after consuming such items to prevent discoloration.
By addressing these issues promptly, you can avoid more severe damage and keep your smile intact.
Importance of Regular Checkups for Maintaining Dental Crowns and Veneers
Regular dental checkups are vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your crowns and veneers. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor your work and address issues early.
1. Early Detection: Regular visits help detect problems like decay or gum disease early. Catching these issues in their initial stages makes treatment more manageable and effective.
2. Professional Cleaning: Even with good oral hygiene, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Regular professional cleanings remove this buildup, protecting your crowns and veneers from potential damage.
3. Monitoring Wear and Tear: Over time, wear and tear can affect dental work. Routine checkups allow your dentist to monitor this and make necessary adjustments or repairs.
4. Personalized Advice: Your dentist can provide personalized advice based on the condition of your crowns and veneers. They might recommend specific products or techniques tailored to your needs.
This November, take an extra step to maintain your dental health by participating in Sunnybrook Dental’s food drive. Bring in any canned good item and be entered into a drawing for an Oral B iO electric toothbrush!
Conclusion
Caring for your dental crowns and veneers is essential for keeping your smile beautiful and functional. By following daily care tips, avoiding harmful foods and habits, and addressing issues promptly, you can ensure the longevity of your dental work. Regular checkups further support this by catching problems early and providing professional maintenance.
Remember, preventive care is the best way to avoid complications and enjoy the benefits of your dental gold crowns and veneers for years. Sunnybrook Dental is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
Remember to join our November food drive. Bring in canned goods to win an Oral B iO electric toothbrush! Visit Sunnybrook Dental today—your smile will thank you.