Caring for Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom made “cap” that fits over a damaged or heavily filled tooth. It is designed to:
· Restore strength
· Improve appearance
· Protect a weakened tooth
· Support a root treated tooth
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.
Do crowns need special care?
Although the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth underneath and the surrounding gum tissue can still be affected by plaque.
Without good oral hygiene, you may develop:
· Decay at the crown margin and underneath the crown
· Gum inflammation
· Tooth sensitivity
· Bad breath
Daily cleaning and regular dental examinations are essential to maintain the health of crowned teeth.
How should I clean a crown?
Clean your crowned tooth just as thoroughly as your natural teeth:
· Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
· Pay particular attention to the gumline
· Clean between the teeth once a day
The margin where the crown meets the natural tooth is especially important to keep clean, specialised brushes can be used to clean this area. Interdental brushes or floss can be used to help remove plaque from between crowned teeth.
Signs to look out for
Contact your dental practice if you notice:
· Bleeding or swelling around the crowned tooth
· A bad taste or persistent bad breath
· Sensitivity when biting
· The crown feeling loose
Early assessment can prevent more complex problems.
Tools to support crown care
The margin where the crown meets the gum can be more difficult to clean. Using the right interdental and precision tools can help maintain healthy gums around the restoration.
Interdental Brushes Original
One of the most effective tools for cleaning between teeth and on crown margins.
Angle
An interdental brush with a longer handle allowing you clean between your teeth in those harder-to-reach areas.
EasyPick
Designed to be used on-the-go, allowing you to clean between teeth and around crowns wherever you are.
EasyFit
This tapered brush easily removes plaque and food from crown margins and from between teeth.
Dental Floss
For tighter spaces where interdental brushes won’t fit floss can be used to clean.
Mini Flosser
If you struggle with regular dental floss, pre-loaded mini flossers could make it easier to clean between teeth and around crowns daily.
Gingival gel
Can be applied to teeth and around crowns with an interdental brush or a specialty brush. With a combination of chlorhexidine, fluoride, and xylitol it provides extra protection against gum disease and tooth decay.
Universal Care
A unique specialist brush designed to clean the crown margins next to the tongue and on the roof of your mouth.
Compact Tuft
Great for precision cleaning on crown margins.
Interspace
Like the compact tuft however, the tip angle can be easily adjusted to reach difficult areas.
Select Toothbrush
Available with medium, soft, or extra soft bristles with a small, tapered head, allowing for a gentle and effective clean around teeth and crowns.
FAQs about dental crowns
How long should a crown last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental monitoring, crowns can last many years.
Longevity depends on:
· Size of the cavity before the crown was placed
· Whether the tooth has been root treated
· Your oral hygiene habits
· Bite forces
· Attendance at routine dental appointments
Is sensitivity normal after a crown?
Some mild sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure can occur for a short time after treatment.
If sensitivity persists, worsens, or the tooth feels painful when biting, contact your dental practice for advice.