Flossing is an integral part of the oral routine for most people.
Dentists worldwide consider brushing and flossing the fundamental steps for maintaining dental hygiene for everyone, even those with dental crowns.
Dentists use dental crowns to restore a broken, damaged, or chipped tooth.
When a tooth is significantly impacted, a crown is installed on top of the affected area. Usually, metals, porcelain, resin, or even ceramics are used to fabricate a crown.
Regular brushing and flossing are needed to keep your crowns healthy because your crown is fabricated to look and serve as a normal tooth.
Unfortunately, many people find it hard to floss their teeth with their dental crowns, fearing that flossing would damage their crowns. Is this fear legit? Can flossing loosen a crown?
Can your crown fall out while flossing?
The fear is legit, so you ask your dentist, "Can flossing damage crowns?"
Typically, permanent crowns are extensively used for their durability. Since they are glued and bonded to your tooth, flossing around dental crowns is a common concern for many individuals.
To keep cavities and gum disease at bay, flossing between your crowns is just as crucial as flossing between your regular teeth. Crowns in excellent condition are far less likely to come out while you continue your daily ritual.
However, there is always room for exception, and just in case, if you want to know, "Can you floss around a permanent crown?"
Yes, if your dental health deteriorates and you floss around carelessly, you might damage your crown.
Let's dig into the reasons so you know, "What loosens a crown?"
Decayed tooth
If you have a decayed tooth under your crown, flossing might cause the crown to fall out or may loosen the restoration.
In this case, you should immediately contact your dentist for help, or you may try switching to a water flosser.
Temporary Restorations
Temporary restorations are much more likely to be removed when flossing because they are not as strongly bonded or cemented to the teeth as permanent ones.
But you can prevent this by pulling out the floss sideways instead of pulling up. However, you must be extra cautious and alert while flossing with a traditional one.
Losing a crown is a painful experience; we know that. So here's a way out of this mess!
It is a water flosser. Want to know "how to floss between crowns?"
Importance of Proper Flossing Technique with Crowns
It is essential to understand the proper method and procedure to maintain your crowns and have the best oral health. Flossing around a crown seems to be straightforward, but it's so easy to get it wrong, especially if you don't realize the risk involved.
One of the most common mistakes is jerking the floss. Forcing or jerking the floss between the teeth will place the crown under too much stress, and the bond between the crown and the tooth underneath will eventually weaken. This will cause your crown to loosen or, worse still, have your crown come out.
It's not a question of how you floss but realizing that the bond between your crown and tooth should be treated gently. A slow, gentle movement will do much to avoid unnecessary stress.
Flossing the right way with Dental Water Flossers
A dental water flosser is the most effective alternative to traditional floss.
Water flossers eject a water stream into the mouth with a pressure that helps remove debris and food particles; as a result, you can enjoy better oral hygiene.
A water flosser is readily available on the market and will be very convenient for people with crowns.
Introducing Oclean dental water flossers
Several dental water flosser brands are available in the market, but why Oclean?
Because Oclean strives for excellence, we are dedicated to improving your oral health by combining technological advancements. Unlike other water flossers available on the market, our PORTABLE ORAL IRRIGATOR are worth every penny.
We have integrated water and air pressure to eliminate plaque between teeth and dental restorations, creating a healthy oral condition.
The best part? Its size and shape can potentially replace conventional dental floss as a must-have item for you.
While flossing is just as important as brushing twice daily, a high-quality toothbrush is essential.
In that case, our OCLEAN SMART ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH might be your solution. It's easy to use and will help you regain your beautiful smile!
Is it essential to take care of your crown?
Dental crowns require special care and treatment, just like other dental appliances. The majority of this care has to do with your eating habits.
There are certain things to remember when taking good care of a crown. Here are some of them:
● Avoid hard or chewy food items.
● Brush your teeth twice every day.
● floss regularly with a water flosser.
● Even if you use traditional floss, you must avoid pulling the floss out of the gaps between your teeth. Instead, slide it out sideways to avoid any damage to your restorations.
● If you habitually grind your teeth, wear a mouthguard.
● Never miss your dental appointments.
What loosens a crown?
It is now clear that flossing is not responsible for your crown becoming loose. These are some of the other factors that might loosen your restoration:
● The bacterial buildup may cause crowns to become loose.
● Oversized crowns that do not fit your teeth.
● Unexpected strain during brushing or flossing
● Trauma from a fall.
● Installing a crown over a decaying tooth
● You consume chewy or hard food items.
What to do if your crown falls out?
Remember, if your crown falls loose, don't panic!
Make sure you consult a dentist who can examine the crown's attachment point and the crown itself.
Depending on your oral condition, your dentist will determine whether to restore it or build and install a new one. Sometimes, your dentist might choose to install a temporary crown while the permanent one is fabricated or may even install ceramic crowns instantly.
There are a few more things you should keep in mind if you have a dental crown:
● Avoid meals that are sticky, difficult to chew, or require extensive chewing.
● Never chew food with the impacted side of your mouth.
● When brushing or flossing your teeth, be gentle.
Can you prevent the loosening of a crown?
Ensure that your crown is installed correctly. Yet, if you find it challenging to understand, you must consult with your dentist.
One of the best ways to avoid losing your crown is by taking the necessary steps and following these easy instructions. This way, you will never have to worry about your crown falling off. But yes, maintaining oral hygiene is indispensable!
Never compromise your oral routine. So, are you ready to floss confidently with an OCLEAN WATER FLOSSER?
Additional Tips for Maintaining Long-Term Crown Health
Maintaining your crown for the long term is more than flossing, though. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in maintaining your crown in good shape and working well.
For example, avoiding hard or sticky foods is essential. Caramel, nuts, or hard candy are all foods that place additional stress on crowns, and this stress can cause them to crack or fall out.
Additionally, grinding your teeth places extreme pressure on dental restorations. If you grind your teeth, especially in your sleep, wearing a night guard can prevent your crowns from taking unnecessary wear and tear and remaining intact for years to come.
It is important to use fluoride toothpaste as a part of your oral care routine. Fluoride hardens your own teeth and can give additional protection to your crowns. To keep your teeth, gums, and crowns healthy, you must be consistent.
Regular check-ups with your dentist are as important as a routine daily oral care routine. At these check-ups, your dentist can check the health of your crowns and make sure that they are still in their correct position.
Regular cleanings also prevent the plaque from accumulating along the border of the crown, thereby preventing decay that can weaken the restoration.
Crown Maintenance Myths Debunked
Most people believe flossing is detrimental to crowns. In reality, gentle flossing is a crucial part of cavity and gum disease prevention, even for those who have crowns. It's the abrasive or improper technique that harms, not flossing.
Similarly, some individuals think that water flossers are intended for those who do not have crowns. It is simply not the case. Water flossers are an excellent choice for all individuals, especially those who have dental restorations, as they offer more cleaning power and with less risk to crowns than regular floss.
There is a myth that crowns don't require special care once they are installed. Crowns are durable, but they still require care. Caring for your crowns is not so much about brushing but being careful about your oral health so that your crowns and the teeth stay stable and strong.
The Bottom Line
In the end, the key to keeping your crown is taking cautious and thoughtful care of your oral hygiene practice. Flossing can most definitely be part of your practice if you're careful and thoughtful about it. If you'd prefer to discover a way to make flossing even easier and more secure, use a water flosser in your practice. Your crown—and your smile—will thank you.