3 Mistakes To Avoid While You Have Temporary Crowns On Your Teeth

If you and your dentist have decided that dental crowns are the best way to cap your teeth, your dentist may fit you with temporary crowns while you wait for the permanent ones. However, since temporary crowns are not as sturdy, you will need to take special care of them while you have them by avoiding the following mistakes.

1.  Using an Electric Toothbrush

When you brush your teeth, you may prefer to use an electric toothbrush. Not only do you find it easier to thoroughly reach all of the nooks and crannies on and between your teeth, but you may notice that your mouth feels cleaner after using one instead of a manual toothbrush.

However, while you have temporary crowns on your teeth, you should avoid using an electric toothbrush. The high vibrations and rotations per second could loosen the adhesive of the crown, dislodging it and making it susceptible to falling out.

Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and apply only gentle pressure when you are brushing around your crowns. Also, spend a little extra time around them, as food particles can easily get stuck on and underneath them where they could cause bacterial growth and tooth decay.

Once you get your permanent crowns, you should be able to go back to using an electric toothbrush on the advice of your cosmetic dentist.

2.  Flossing Aggressively Around the Crowns

Even when you have temporary crowns, flossing between them and your natural teeth is as crucial as it was beforehand. However, if you floss aggressively and quickly around the tooth, or floss using the incorrect method, you may wind up pulling up one end of the crown or dislodging it completely. While you are flossing around the crowns, take your time so that you do not get the string caught on the edges of them.

Also, take care of how you feed the floss in and out of the spaces between the crowns. Normally, when you floss, you may be used to feeding the floss from the top of the space between your teeth, wiggling it around the base of them, then pulling the string straight up. 

However, doing this with your temporary crowns may result in the floss catching on the bottom edge. Instead, feed the floss as you normally do, then slide it straight out when you are finished cleaning each individual space.

3.  Clenching Your Jaw or Grinding Your Teeth

If you are in the habit of clenching your jaw when you are angry or stressed or if you know you grind your teeth at night, doing either of these can jeopardize the condition of your temporary crowns. When you bear down on your teeth and grind them together, the material of the crowns may crack or chip or the entire appliance may pop off.

If you notice that you clench your jaw when you get upset, try to be more mindful of it. While it may be difficult because the involuntary action has become a habit, if you pay attention and relax your jaw by opening your mouth, you can release the pressure that is placed on your crowns.

However, if you tend to grind your teeth while you are sleeping because you have bruxism, you may need a little help from your dentist. Ask to be fitted with a mouthguard that can protect both your teeth and crowns while you are asleep.

Avoiding the above mistakes while you have the crowns can help you keep them in place and intact until you are fitted with your permanent ones. For more information about taking care of your dental crown, speak with your cosmetic dentist.