A dental crown is a porcelain or metal cap that fits over a tooth to restore its appearance and function. If one of your teeth has this type of restoration, you may have thought that it cannot get a cavity again. However, this is not always the case. Consider these three reasons why your dental crown might have a new cavity under it.
Improper Brushing and Flossing Technique
Even when a tooth has a crown on it, there is still part of the natural tooth left to anchor it. This part of the tooth is still vulnerable to decay if you do not brush and floss effectively. When brushing, try to angle your bristles as close to the gum line as possible. When flossing, do not just pop the floss between the teeth; instead, scrub the sides of the teeth with the string.
Dry Mouth
Some patients are more cavity-prone than others. One of the main culprits for this is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This can be caused by several things; one of the most common reasons is prescription medication use. If you suffer from dry mouth and are concerned about forming new cavities, talk to your general dentist Parker CO about a saliva substitute.
Poor Margins
In some cases, decay around a capped tooth has little to do with the patient. If the crown is not properly fitted to the tooth, it is nearly impossible to keep it clean. Your dentist should be monitoring the margins of your crowns at every visit, so make sure that you ask how your caps are holding up.
Because your oral health is such an important part of your overall health, you must learn all you can about keeping your smile healthy. If you have dental crowns, talk to your dentist about the best ways to keep them as healthy as possible.