Prolonging the Life of Your Dental Restorations

Taking care of your crowns, bridges, and veneers involves a mix of good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and mindful daily habits. Here are some strategies to keep your dental work in top shape: Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

• Brushing: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around your crowns, bridges, and veneers gently. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes to remove plaque and food debris effectively.
• Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth and around your restorations. For bridges, use a floss threader or an interdental brush to clean under the pontic and around the supporting teeth.
• Mouthwash: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and keep your breath fresh. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes as they can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.

Regular Dental Visits Schedule routine dental appointments at Heritage Dental Centre to monitor the condition of your crowns, bridges, and veneers. Our dentists will check for any signs of wear, damage, or decay and provide professional cleanings to keep your oral health in check. Professional cleanings are crucial as they remove plaque and tartar buildup that may be missed during regular brushing and flossing. These appointments play a key role in preventing gum disease and ensuring the longevity of your dental work. Avoid Certain Foods

• Hard Foods: Avoid biting down on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies, as they can crack or damage your crowns, bridges, and veneers.
• Sticky Foods: Steer clear of sticky foods such as caramel or chewing gum, which can dislodge your restorations or cause decay around their edges. Being cautious about what you eat helps protect your dental work.

Guard Against Teeth Grinding If you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), it can significantly wear down your dental restorations. Consider using a custom-fitted night guard to protect your teeth and dental work while you sleep. A night guard serves as a buffer between your upper and lower teeth, preventing grinding and reducing the risk of damage to your crowns, bridges, and veneers. Minimize Staining Porcelain and composite resin used in crowns, bridges, and veneers can stain over time from certain foods and drinks. Limit your intake of items like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. After consuming these items, rinse your mouth with water to minimize staining. Additionally, avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can cause significant discoloration and impact your overall oral health. Choose the Right Products Select non-abrasive toothpaste and gentle dental products to clean your restorations. Abrasive toothpaste can scratch the surfaces of your veneers, crowns, and bridges, making them more susceptible to staining and damage. Our team at Heritage Dental Centre can recommend the best dental products to maintain your specific restorations. Address Any Issues Promptly If you notice any problems with your dental restorations—such as looseness, discomfort, or changes in appearance—contact Heritage Dental Centre immediately. Addressing these issues early can prevent minor problems from escalating. Avoid attempting to fix any dental restoration issues on your own. Always seek professional assistance to ensure proper care and treatment.