Tips for Keeping Your Children’s Teeth Healthy

Posted on: 15 July 2016

Porcelain dental crowns are commonly used to cover teeth that have a lot of decay on them, and getting a dental crown might be the only option you have to save a tooth that is damaged. The good news about dental crowns is that they are very durable, which means they last a long time. The bad news is that there are things that can go wrong with dental crowns, but you can protect yours by taking good care of your oral health. Here are several issues you could experience with your new dental crown and tips to help you avoid these issues.

Breaks From Crowns That Do Not Fit Accurately

The first thing to understand about dental crowns is that they must be created properly in order for them to last, and you can make sure you get one that is made properly by going to a dental clinic you trust. If a crown is not made exactly right to fit over one of your teeth, it can be more susceptible to cracks, breaks, and other issues. A crown should be snug, and there should not be any gaps. If you get your crown and something doesn't feel right, go back to the dental office and have it examined.

Cracks And Chips From Bad Habits

The second problem you can experience with your new dental crown is cracks or chips. Dental crowns can last for five to 15 years, or even longer in some cases, but they can also crack or chip from the things you do. Here are several common bad habits that can lead to chips and cracks:

• Nail biting
• Chewing on hard items, such as ice
• Grinding or clenching your teeth

Even though porcelain crowns are strong, they cannot withstand large amounts of pressure, especially if the pressure occurs on a regular basis. To keep your crown strong and to help it last long, you will need to try to avoid doing the things listed here. If you can avoid these things, it will extend the life of your crown.

Decay From Poor Oral Care

The third type of damage you may experience with your crown involves decay. Decay cannot actually form on a crown or damage the crown, but decay can reach the part of the tooth the crown is covering. This typically occurs when a crown is not fitted properly or if a person fails to take proper care of his or her teeth.

Without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria can find its way under your crown. As this happens, it can grow and turn into decay. Decay will destroy the remaining part of your tooth, and decay causes a loss of tooth. When this occurs, your crown could end up becoming loose and falling out. The best thing you could do after getting a crown is practice good dental habits each and every day.

If you ever experience a problem with your crown, seeking help from a dentist quickly is a good choice to make. This includes if you feel like the crown is not fitting properly, if the tooth is sore, or if you notice a crack or chip. If the problem is addressed quickly, the dentist might be able to save the crown. If the crown cannot be saved, you will end up needing a new one.

Porcelain dental crowns are great products that can help extend the life of teeth, and with proper care they can last a very long time. To learn more about dental crowns or ways to prolong their life, visit a dentist in your area today.