How to Help Your Child Care For Their Kids Dental Crowns

Kids dental crowns are a valuable investment in your child's oral health and smile's appearance. Whether they have received crowns to restore damaged teeth or for cosmetic reasons, it is important to properly care for them to ensure they last a long time. Here are some essential tips to help maintain the longevity and aesthetics of your child's new dental crowns.

Maintain good oral hygiene habits

Just like natural teeth, kids dental crowns require regular oral care. Brushing and flossing twice daily prevents plaque buildup and helps maintain healthy gums. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the crowns gently. If necessary, we recommend parents help their children for the first few oral hygiene sessions to ensure they reach all areas around the crown and pay extra attention to the gum line.

Use non-abrasive dental products

Avoid using abrasive dental products, such as toothpaste with baking soda or charcoal, as they can wear down the surface of the crowns over time. Instead, choose a mild fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. In addition, consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help control bacteria growth in the mouth.

Help children maintain regular dental check-ups

Parents must schedule their children's regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist. Here, the dentist can monitor the condition of the dental crowns and address any emerging issues early. They also perform professional cleanings, which help maintain the gum's health and ensure the area around the crown remains free from plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) buildup.

Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods

While dental crowns are generally durable, they can still suffer from damage due to excessive hard or sticky foods. Children should avoid chewing on ice and hard candies or using their teeth absent-mindedly to gnaw on inanimate items. Further, they should be cautious when chewing sticky foods like caramel or taffy since they can also put excessive stress on the crowns.

Wear a mouthguard for grinding

Those who have a habit of grinding their teeth, also known as bruxism, should consider wearing a mouthguard at night. Grinding can put pressure on the dental crown, potentially increasing the risk of the crown cracking or chipping over time. A custom-fit mouthguard can help protect both one's natural teeth and crowns from this excessive force.

Limit consumption of staining substances

Crowns comprise materials like porcelain, which are resistant to staining. However, excessive consumption of staining substances can discolor the crowns and ruin their appearance. To maintain the color of the dental crown, limit consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages like gummy snacks, fruit juices, and dark berries. When consuming them, rinse the mouth or brush the teeth shortly afterward.

Do not use the teeth as tools

Using teeth as tools, such as opening a package or cracking a nut, can damage the new crown. This behavior can stress the crown excessively, causing it to chip or crack. Parents should instruct their children to always use the appropriate tools for these tasks and leave teeth for eating and chewing.