Dental crowns are essential for repairing and shielding damaged teeth. However, their durability relies heavily on proper care. By following specific cleaning and maintenance techniques, you can prevent future dental problems and maintain a healthy, radiant smile.
In this blog post, we are going to share practical tips and best practices on how to clean a crown tooth and keep it in perfect condition, both through home care and professional attention.
How to Clean a Dental Crown?
To keep your dental crown and the surrounding teeth and gums healthy, proper cleaning is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Daily Brushing and Flossing
Brushing:
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
- Gently brush all tooth surfaces, focusing on the area around the crown.
- Pay extra attention to the gum line near the crown, as it can easily accumulate plaque.
- Brush for at least two minutes twice daily, morning and night.
Flossing:
- Cleaning your teeth with floss every day is vital. It gets rid of plaque and food that gets stuck between your teeth, especially around those with crowns.
- Take about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a short piece taut.
- Gently insert the floss between your teeth. Curve it around each tooth and move it up and down to clean the sides thoroughly.
- When you reach a crowned tooth, be careful not to pull too hard around the edges. This could dislodge it. Instead, use a gentle sawing motion to clean the area.
Special Attention to the Crown Area
- The area where the dental crown touches the gums is prone to bacteria and plaque accumulation. It’s important to clean this area thoroughly to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- To enhance oral hygiene, consider adding an antiseptic mouthwash into your routine to eliminate bacteria and reduce plaque around the crown and in the mouth overall.
Additional Tips
- Regular Checkups: Schedule routine appointments with your dentist for cleanings and checkups to eliminate tartar and assess the crown’s condition.
- Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods to minimise plaque accumulation and potential damage to the crown.
- Tools: If flossing is difficult, consider using a water flosser or interdental brushes to effectively clean around the crown and maintain oral hygiene.
How to Clean Crown Teeth at Home?
Maintaining your dental crowns at home is necessary for their longevity and overall oral health. Follow these tips for effective cleaning:
Use Non-abrasive Toothpaste
Choose Wisely: Opt for toothpaste without harsh abrasives that can damage the glaze on your crowns, making them more vulnerable to stains and damage.
Protect Your Investment: Selecting non-abrasive toothpaste helps preserve the appearance and durability of your crowns, keeping them looking fresh and functioning properly.
Regular Mouthwash Use
Antibacterial Properties: Using an antibacterial mouthwash every day can help protect your gums and the areas around your dental crowns.
Disease Prevention: Using mouthwash regularly kills harmful bacteria that gather around the edges of your crowns. This reduces your risk of gum disease, which is important for the long-term health of your crowns and your overall mouth.
Conclusion
Taking good care of your dental crown can be effortless. By using proper methods and scheduling routine dental appointments, you can keep your crown strong for many years. This guide provides simple steps to incorporate crown care into your daily routine, saving your investment and your radiant smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to clean a tooth crown?
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste. Floss thoroughly around the crown to remove plaque and debris. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria.
How to clean crowns and bridges?
Follow the same cleaning routine as for natural teeth. Use non-abrasive toothpaste and floss. Employ a floss threader to reach under bridges. Consider using an interdental brush or water flosser for extra cleaning power.
How to prevent tooth decay under crown?
Brush and floss thoroughly. Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Limit consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
How to clean a crown that fell out?
Rinse the crown gently with warm water (no scrubbing). Store it safely and contact your dentist promptly for reattachment. Do not use glue or temporary fixatives for reattachment.
How to remove stains from porcelain crowns?
To prevent stains, reduce or avoid consuming beverages known to discolour teeth (e.g., coffee, tea, red wine). Regular dental checkups can help remove surface stains from crowns. If deep stains appear, seek professional dental advice. Your dentist may recommend specialised cleaning techniques or cosmetic treatments to address the stains.
