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Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

My intense love for candy, cakes, and everything in between started as a child. I simply couldn't go one day without something sweet to eat. But my love for all things sweet took a toll on my teeth. My dentist diagnosed me with seven cavities, each one a different size and depth. After sitting through four long dental appointments, I decided to make a change. I now monitor my diet and only eat things that benefit my oral health. I'm here to help you take better care of your teeth. My blog offers tips on how to improve your diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and many other topics. Hopefully, you can learn to overcome your bad habits just as I did. Good luck with your future dental health.

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Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

Common Misconceptions About Dental Crowns

by Eric Bailey

A dental crown, or cap, is an artificial tooth that is fitted over a natural tooth to improve an individual's smile while protecting the natural tooth from further damage. Your dentist has recommended crowns but there is some information you've read online or heard from friends and family that is making you think twice.

Here are a few of the most common myths and misconceptions about dental crowns that you shouldn't believe or allow to influence your decision to improve your smile.

Misconception: Dental Crowns Don't Look Real

In the past, dental crowns were manufactured from several different materials, including metals, which made them very noticeable. Dentistry has evolved, and today's patients can have a custom-made dental crown that will closely match the color and shape of their natural teeth. For example, if you are getting a crown on your back teeth, your dentist might recommend a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, which gives the look of a natural tooth with the strength of metal.

Resin, ceramic, and porcelain crowns are other options that can give patients the natural look they want without breaking the bank.

Misconception: Dental Crowns Require a Long, Painful Procedure

Before having a crown fitted, some patients require preliminary dental procedures to prepare their mouth for the crown. In some cases, this includes a root canal, a procedure that involves eliminating any infection from the tooth's pulp. Additionally, your dentist may need to file down your natural teeth to make room for the crown.

These procedures all sound time consuming and painful, especially root canals. Movies and television portray root canals as lengthy and uncomfortable, but that isn't the truth. In reality, before you have a root canal, filling, or your tooth is prepared to receive the crown, your dentist will numb the tissue surrounding your tooth.

Modern dental technology means that it won't take long to complete the entire procedure and because the gums surrounding the tooth are numb, you will feel little to no discomfort. Many patients will only need two appointments to receive their permanent crown as well.

The first appointment involves dental x-rays and other necessary procedures, such as a root canal or filling. A temporary crown is placed during this appointment as well. During the second appointment, the permanent crown is fitted.

Misconception: Dental Crowns Need Too Much Care

According to MedicineNet, the average dental crown will last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns require proper care to ensure they remain strong and intact. Here are a few simple tips to help you properly care for and extend the life of your dental crown:

  • Brush your teeth twice-a-day. Continue your usual dental hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth twice-a-day. You don't need to change your toothbrush or toothpaste to care for your dental crown.
  • Floss around your dental crown. Like your natural teeth, crowns can become damaged by bacteria and food particles. Flossing your teeth and paying special attention to your dental crowns can help prevent staining and damage.
  • Avoid certain foods and beverages. Dental crowns are tough, but just like your natural teeth they can be damaged by sticky, hard, and sugary foods and drinks.

Coffee, tea, berries, and pasta sauce are a few foods and beverages that can cause staining. Avoiding these types of foods and drinks is one option. However, if you do indulge in your morning cup of coffee or a spaghetti dinner, make sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible after enjoying anything that could stain your dental crowns.

Dental crowns can help restore your smile and help protect your teeth from further damage. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact a dental professional for more assistance.

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