Even the smoothest, most comfortable dental restoration procedure is not an experience that people are eager to repeat. If you’ve recently received a filling, crown, or bridge, read on for some tips on how you can properly care for your new restoration to ensure its longevity and minimize the need for future dental work.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The best thing you can do to keep your new dental restoration in good shape is maintain excellent oral hygiene overall. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes and a fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to floss and rinse with mouthwash as well. If you have a dental bridge, you can use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean under the bridge.
2. Choose Your Food Wisely
Certain foods can wreak havoc on dental restorations. Avoid sticky food like toffee or gummy candy that can pull your fillings out of place. Hard foods like nuts or crunchy chips can place undue pressure on crowns and bridges, potentially cracking them. When reaching for a snack, be mindful of avoiding foods that could damage your restoration.
3. Wear a Mouthguard When Necessary
If you suffer from bruxism and grind your teeth at night, wear a custom nightguard to protect your restoration from excessive wear and tear. Likewise, you should wear an athletic mouthguard if you play any contact sports or engage in activities that could cause oral trauma. Taking this extra step will help your filling, crown, or bridge last longer.
4. Stop Bad Oral Habits
Do you have a habit of crunching on ice? What about opening stubborn packages with your teeth, or chewing on your pen while writing? Such tendencies can fracture or dislodge your restoration, so now you have a great reason to cut out that bad behavior!
5. Regularly Visit Your Tyler, Texas Dentist
With proper care, your dental restoration can last up to fifteen years or more. Be sure to schedule routine cleanings and checkups every six months with our team at Ashley Laird, DDS. We will keep an eye on your filling, crown, or bridge, and make sure that your smile stays healthy!
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