A woman smiling while putting toothpaste on a toothbrush

Dental restorations, such as bridges, implants, crowns, or fillings, are essential to preserving your smile’s beauty and functionality. To guarantee that these restorations remain as long as possible, you must take the same care as you would with your natural teeth. You can preserve your investment and have a confident, healthy smile for many years to come with the correct care.

Here are some vital pointers to assist you properly take care of your dental restorations.

  1. Maintain a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine

The key to maintaining dental restorations is an extensive and regular oral hygiene regimen. Using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles, brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is important to keep your teeth clean on all surfaces, even the ones around your restorations, as plaque can still accumulate there and lead to decay or gum disease. Remember to floss every day. Food particles can occasionally become trapped in dental restorations; thus, flossing keeps the area clean and reduces gum inflammation.

  1. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects

Although dental restorations are made to resist typical biting forces, they are not unbreakable. Avoid chewing on hard items like pen caps, hard candies, or ice to prevent chipping or cracking. These behaviors may erode your restorations, resulting in cracks or other damage that may need pricey replacements or repairs. Try not to open things with your teeth either, as this can damage your dental work.

  1. Address Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Your dental restorations may sustain significant damage over time if you grind your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Grinding puts too much pressure on dental restorations and natural teeth, which can cause wear, fractures, and loosening of fillings or crowns. See your dentist, Dr. Borham, about using a nightguard to save your teeth. By putting a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, this specially made appliance reduces the effects of grinding and shields your restorations from damage while you sleep.

  1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental examinations are crucial for keeping an eye on the state of your restorations and identifying any problems early. Dr. Borham will inspect your restorations for signs of wear, damage, or decay, and might offer treatments or changes if necessary. In addition to lowering the risk of gum disease and decay, professional cleanings every six months help eliminate tartar and plaque buildup that can collect around your restorations. Maintaining the lifespan of your restorations and your general oral health depends on routine dental appointments.

  1. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Dental restorations may get discolored or damaged by specific meals and drinks. Drinking too many dark-colored drinks, such as tea and coffee, will eventually discolor your restorations. Citrus fruits and soda are examples of acidic meals and beverages that can erode the bonding materials in crowns and fillings, increasing their susceptibility to injury. Maintaining the strength of your teeth and restorations as well as your overall health can be achieved by eating a well-balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals.

Conscious habits, routine dental checkups, and proper oral hygiene are all necessary for maintaining your dental restorations. You may prolong the life of your restorations and have a bright, healthy smile for many years to come by using these suggestions.

Schedule frequent dental exams to catch any problems before they become emergencies.

Call us right now to schedule an appointment if you would like to maintain good dental health with regular checkups and cleanings.