Dental crowns are not necessarily meant to last forever. However, if you take the right actions, you can actually extend the life of your dental crown. This is especially true if you are getting a new crown that is made with the latest materials.

Choose the Right Type of Crown

The type of crown you have will affect the longevity of your crown. If it is near the front or rear of your mouth, this can affect how long it lasts. Also, if the tooth was in a very poor condition, the crown is less likely to last.

Older types of crowns are prone to cracking. Many were made with metal that were very unattractive. Fortunately, newer dental crowns are made with ceramic and are less likely to crack.

Take Care of Your Oral Health

Dental crowns require personal care like the rest of your mouth. Even though the ceramic part of your tooth is not vulnerable to decay, the part where the ceramic meets the rest of your tooth is vulnerable. Brush your teeth after every meal to prevent plaque buildup. Floss your teeth, crowns, and bridges everyday. Make sure to clean between the teeth that anchor your crown. 

One of the best tools for protecting your dental crown is to use an electric toothbrush. This makes it easier to remove plaque in between teeth and around the gum line. The best mouthwash to use is an antibacterial mouthwash.

Eat Healthy Foods

Avoid chewing sticky or hard foods. These will increase the risk that your crown will become damaged or that it will be dislodged. You should not chew ice or hard candies. Even if you only suck on the candy, there might be the temptation to chew it. When you must chew something hard, try to avoid using the same tooth the crown is attached to.

Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. This will keep you in good health overall and consuming the right nutrients will keep your teeth healthy and reduce the risk of oral decay.

Visit Your Dentist

Fortunately, even if your dental crown does not last forever, your dentist can replace it with a new one. Therefore, if you're concerned about your current dental crown, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Even if you aren't concerned, regular appointments with your dentist is one of the best ways to keep your dental crown in good condition.

Contact an office like Rutherford Gregory S DDS for more information.