If you recently restored your smile with a dental crown or a fixed bridge, you may be wondering how to keep your new dental work looking and feeling its best. At Oroville Gentle Dentistry, we believe in improving lives one smile at a time, and that includes helping you protect the investment you made in your oral health.
Crowns and bridges are two of the most reliable restorative options available. Porcelain crowns rebuild teeth that have been weakened by decay, injury, or a root canal, or are placed to improve esthetics, while porcelain fixed bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement to a tooth or teeth usually on either side. Both are built to last for many years, sometimes decades, but only if they are cared for properly.
Below is our complete guide on how to care for dental crowns and bridges so your restoration can serve you well for years to come.
Maintain a Strong Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Even though a crown or bridge is designed to be durable, the natural teeth and gum tissue supporting it are not invincible. The gum line of the teeth anchoring a bridge, and around a crown, are still susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. A consistent daily hygiene routine keeps bacteria from compromising the tooth underneath.
Brush at least Twice a Day
Brush for a full two minutes, morning and night, at least, using a soft bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to the gum line where your crown meets your natural tooth, since plaque tends to collect there. Our guide on how to properly brush and floss walks through the technique in more detail.
Floss Every Day – String or Water or both
Flossing clears away plaque and food debris from the spaces your toothbrush cannot reach. If you have a dental bridge, it is especially important to clean the portion of the natural teeth adjacent to the artificial tooth, or pontic. A floss threader or a water flosser can make this much easier and help prevent bacteria from building up in that hard to reach space.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Crowns and bridges are built to handle everyday chewing, but your diet still plays a big role in how long your restoration lasts. Hard and sticky foods put extra stress on porcelain crowns and can loosen a bridge over time.
As with your natural teeth, limit or avoid:
- Ice
- Hard candy
- Popcorn kernels
- Very sticky or chewy sweets like caramel or taffy
If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, let our team know. A custom nightguard can protect your crown or bridge from unnecessary wear and pressure.
Keep Up with Professional Dental Cleanings
Brushing and flossing at home go a long way, but plaque can still harden into tartar that only a dental professional can remove safely. Routine dental exams and cleanings keep your restorations polished, free of buildup, and functioning the way they should.
During your regular visits to Oroville Gentle Dentistry, our team will check the fit of your crown or bridge, confirm the cement is holding strong, and make sure your bite feels natural. Catching a small issue early is always easier and more affordable than waiting until it becomes an emergency.
What to Do If a Crown or Bridge Becomes Loose
Crowns and bridges are meant to be permanent, but accidents, decay, or years of normal wear can occasionally cause a restoration to loosen or come out. If your crown falls off, the tooth underneath is suddenly exposed, which can lead to sensitivity, pain, and a higher risk of further decay.
If this happens to you, here is what to do:
- Rinse gently. Use a warm salt water rinse to clean the area and reduce bacteria.
- Hold it in place temporarily if needed. A small amount of over the counter denture adhesive can help keep the crown in place until you can be seen.
- Never use household glue. Super glue and other household adhesives are not safe for your mouth and can cause serious damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
- Call us right away. Reach out to Oroville Gentle Dentistry so we can get you in and professionally re-cement or replace the restoration.
We offer emergency dental care for situations exactly like this one, so you are never left waiting in pain or unsure of what to do next.
Signs Your Crown or Bridge May Need Attention
It is not always obvious when something is wrong. Give us a call if you notice any of the following:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold near the restoration
- Discomfort when biting down
- A visible gap between the crown and your gum line
- A rocking or shifting feeling when you chew
- An unpleasant taste or odor near the restored tooth
Catching these signs early helps protect the natural tooth structure underneath your restoration and can often prevent a more involved repair down the road.
Protect Your Smile with Oroville Gentle Dentistry
Caring for your dental crowns and bridges is simple once you build it into your daily routine: brush and floss thoroughly, watch what you eat, and keep up with your professional cleanings. If you have questions about your restoration(s) or it is time to schedule your next preventive visit, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact Oroville Gentle Dentistry today to request an appointment online. We are proud to serve the Oroville community with gentle, personalized care that helps you keep a healthy, confident smile for life.
