Dental crowns are often the heroes of dentistry, swooping in to save damaged teeth.
But many people forget about the upkeep! The need for exceptional oral hygiene doesn’t end once a crown is placed.
Here’s your comprehensive guide for ensuring that your crown and the surrounding area stay clean and trouble-free.
Quick Answer: How to Clean Under a Tooth Crown?
Quick Tips:
Consistent Cleaning: Make brushing and flossing around the crown a daily ritual.
Oral Care Products: Opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and dental floss.
Advanced Instruments for Advanced Care: Consider using interdental brushes and water flossers for a superior clean, especially if you notice food getting caught between teeth.
Be Vigilant: Take immediate action if you notice discomfort, changes, or signs of damage around your crown.
Scheduled Visits: Stick to your regular dental check-ups; they're essential for long-term crown maintenance.
Why Cleaning Under/Around a Tooth Crown Is Non-Negotiable
Dental crowns are incredibly helpful for protecting weakened teeth, but the area around them can become a hotspot for food debris and bacterial growth if not properly cared for.
The juncture (“margin”) where the crown meets with your natural tooth is especially susceptible to decay and gum inflammation. Therefore, maintaining this specific area is not merely a suggestion but a necessity.
The Fundamentals of General Oral Hygiene With a Crown
Brushing: The type of toothbrush and toothpaste you use matters. A soft-bristle toothbrush is less abrasive and can effectively clean without causing wear and tear. Fluoride toothpaste can help fight tooth decay. For optimal results, brush for at least two minutes, giving special attention to the margins of the crown.
Flossing: The importance of flossing around a crown cannot be overstated. It's crucial to remove food particles that a toothbrush can't reach. This becomes doubly important with a crown, where plaque can accumulate around the margins, leading to potential problems. Therefore, a high-quality waxed dental floss is often recommended for ease of use and effectiveness.
Tailoring Your Crown Care: Advanced Tips
Interdental Brushes: These small, pointed brushes are highly effective for cleaning difficult-to-reach spots and can be particularly helpful in maintaining the areas around a crown.
Water Flossers: Water flossers provide an additional layer of cleanliness. They shoot a stream of water to flush out food particles and bacteria from between teeth and along the gumline. They're especially useful for those with dexterity issues or for people who find traditional flossing uncomfortable.
Watch Out for Warning Signs
Pay close attention to how your crown and the surrounding area feel.
Any changes in fit, persistent discomfort, or visible signs of wear and tear should be promptly evaluated by a dental professional. Sudden appearance of a “food trap” is another warning sign that something may be wrong with the crown (such as decay under the margin).
Delaying this evaluation can lead to complications requiring more extensive (and often more expensive) treatment.
Maintaining a Crown Long-Term
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups is indispensable for maintaining your crown's longevity. During these visits, dental professionals can use specialized instruments to remove hardened plaque (calculus) and assess the crown and adjacent teeth for any signs of potential trouble.
Routine x-rays often identify problems around crowns (such as decay at the margins) years earlier than could be detected with the naked eye.
Emergency Care for Dental Crowns
In case of an emergency where your crown falls out, becomes loose, or gets damaged, prompt action is crucial to minimize complications. Here are some steps to guide you:
Keep Calm: It's natural to feel anxious, but try to remain calm.
Retrieve the Crown: If your crown has fallen out, locate it and rinse it gently with warm water.
Contact Your Dentist: Make an emergency appointment (many dentists have slots for urgent cases).
Temporary Measures: While waiting for your appointment, you can place the crown back on the tooth using over-the-counter dental adhesive, toothpaste, or sugar-free chewing gum to hold it in place temporarily. This is not a permanent solution but can serve until you see your dentist.
Avoid Certain Foods: Until the crown is fixed or replaced, steer clear of hard and sticky foods that could further dislodge or damage the crown.
Take Pain Relievers (if needed): If you are experiencing discomfort or sensitivity, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. However, consult your dentist for personalized advice.
Final Thoughts
The lifespan of your dental crown can vary significantly based on how well you maintain the area around it. Equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge to keep your crown and surrounding teeth in impeccable condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean gums under a crown?
Cleaning gums under a crown requires careful attention. Regular flossing is crucial. Consider using an interdental brush or a water flosser, aiming the stream of water under the crown's edge to flush out bacteria and food debris. Always be gentle to avoid irritating your gums.
Do you have to clean under a crown?
Yes, it's essential to clean under a crown. Neglecting this area can lead to bacterial accumulation, plaque formation, and eventually gum disease or tooth decay. Use dental floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers to clean under and around your crown effectively.
Why does my tooth stink under my crown?
A foul smell under a crown could indicate trapped food particles, bacterial infection, or even decay. If you notice a bad odor, it's crucial to consult your dentist for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
How do you clean a smelly crown?
If your crown is emitting a bad odor, it's likely because of bacterial buildup. You can start by improving your oral hygiene regimen, including thorough brushing and flossing. Additionally, use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. However, if the smell persists, consult your dentist for a more thorough cleaning and to determine if the crown needs adjustment or replacement.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.