A dental crown is a prosthetic cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. While the crown is made of durable materials like porcelain or metal, the underlying natural tooth structure remains susceptible to decay. Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to ensure the longevity of the restoration and the health of the supporting tooth, as the crown does not eliminate the risk of decay or gum disease. The area where the crown meets the gum line, known as the margin, is a critical zone for plaque accumulation.
Daily Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Effective daily cleaning starts with the proper brushing technique, which should focus specifically on the junction between the crown and the gum tissue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, circular motion to clean this margin, tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. This technique helps to dislodge plaque that attempts to settle into the small crevice at the base of the crown. Brushing twice daily for two minutes remains the standard recommendation for maintaining overall oral health.
Flossing around a crown requires a modification of the traditional technique to prevent damage to the restoration or dislodging it. Standard dental floss should be carefully inserted between the teeth, curving it into a C-shape against the side of the crowned tooth. Gently slide the floss up and down to clean the surface extending just beneath the gum line. Waxed floss is often recommended as it is less likely to fray or catch on any rough edges that might exist at the crown margin.
The most important difference in flossing a crowned tooth involves the removal of the floss. Rather than snapping the floss back out through the top contact area, which could potentially pull at the crown, the floss should be released from one end and pulled out sideways through the space between the teeth. This lateral removal technique prevents upward pressure on the restoration, securing the crown’s placement while still effectively removing interdental plaque.
Specialized Tools for Marginal Cleaning
Cleaning the crown margin and the adjacent interdental spaces often benefits from the use of specialized tools that supplement standard brushing and flossing. Interdental brushes, which resemble miniature pipe cleaners, are designed to fit into the spaces between teeth and around the circumference of the crown. They come in various sizes and allow for precise mechanical removal of plaque in areas a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use a pressurized stream of water to flush out food debris and bacteria from the gum pockets and around the crown margins. This method of irrigation can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dexterity issues or those who find traditional flossing challenging. Studies have indicated that water flossing can significantly reduce bleeding and plaque accumulation around dental work when used daily.
For crowns that are part of a fixed bridge, specialized floss products like Superfloss or floss threaders are necessary for cleaning the area beneath the prosthetic, known as the pontic. Superfloss features a stiffened end that can be threaded under the bridge, followed by a fluffy section designed to scrub the underside of the restoration. This targeted cleaning prevents bacteria from accumulating in the hard-to-reach space under the bridge.
Protecting the Crown Material and Longevity
The material of the crown itself requires protection, primarily from abrasive substances found in certain dental products. Highly abrasive toothpastes can scratch the polished surface of porcelain crowns, leading to a duller appearance and creating micro-grooves where plaque can more easily adhere. Consumers should avoid toothpastes containing common abrasive agents like baking soda, calcium carbonate, or harsh hydrated silica gels.
Whitening toothpastes are generally not recommended for use on crowns because they often contain harsh abrasives or chemical agents. These agents do not change the color of the prosthetic but may damage the surface glaze. Selecting a non-abrasive, fluoride-containing gel or paste helps to protect both the crown material and the underlying natural tooth. Maintaining the crown’s smooth surface contributes to long-term hygiene by resisting plaque buildup.
Preventative measures play a role in the crown’s longevity by protecting it from mechanical stress. Avoid using crowned teeth to bite down on extremely hard foods like ice, hard candies, or bone, as this can risk chipping the porcelain or weakening the cement seal. Similarly, using the teeth for non-food activities, such as opening packages or bottles, should be avoided. Regular professional dental checkups and cleanings are necessary to inspect the crown margins for integrity and catch signs of recurring decay or gum inflammation early.