Best Ways to Care for Your Dental Crown in Calgary

Understanding dental crowns and why proper care is essential

Dental crowns protect and restore damaged teeth, enhancing both strength and appearance. At Heritage Pointe Dental in Calgary, we provide expert tips on daily care, diet, and regular check-ups to ensure your crown lasts 10–20 years or more. Proper maintenance keeps your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful.

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover weakened or damaged teeth, providing a strong, durable layer of protection. They restore the strength, function, and appearance of the tooth while preventing further deterioration. Crowns are often recommended after large fillings, root canal treatment, or for cosmetic improvement. While crowns are strong, they are not indestructible. Proper care is essential to protect the underlying tooth, maintain gum health, and ensure the crown lasts for many years. 

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental crowns can last 10–15 years on average, but with consistent care, many patients enjoy them for much longer.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from daily brushing and flossing tips to which foods to avoid to the professional dental services that can help keep your crown in excellent shape.

Expert Tip:
Dr. Dharmanshu Boghara, a general dentist at Heritage Pointe Dental, explains,
“With proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups, patients can extend the life of their dental crowns and avoid complications.”

Exploring the Different Types of Dental Crowns

Not all crowns are the same. Each type has its own durability, appearance, and maintenance needs.

• Brushing twice daily – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching porcelain surfaces.
• Flossing daily – Crowns are especially vulnerable at the gumline. Slide floss gently instead of snapping it.
• Mouthwash – Antimicrobial rinses can help reduce bacteria around the crown and protect the natural tooth underneath.

Dental Tip:
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), “gum disease is one of the top reasons crowns fail early, making good hygiene critical.”

Foods and everyday habits that can damage your dental crown

Although dental crowns are long-lasting, they can still chip, crack, or wear down over time. 

Being mindful of your diet and daily habits can significantly impact the longevity of your crown. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Chewing on ice or hard candy – The repeated pressure can cause porcelain or ceramic crowns to chip or crack over time.
• Sticky foods like caramels, taffy, or gummy candy – These can pull at the crown and loosen the dental cement that holds it in place.
• Frequent snacking on sugary treats – While the crown itself won’t decay, the natural tooth underneath can still develop cavities if exposed to too much sugar.
• Highly acidic beverages like soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks – Acid weakens the enamel around the crown’s edges, making it easier for decay to form.
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism) – This habit can wear down the chewing surface of the crown and even cause small fractures. A nightguard can help protect against this.
• Using your teeth as tools – Tearing open packages, biting pens, or opening bottle caps with your teeth can put unnecessary stress on your crown.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Skipping brushing and flossing can cause gum disease or decay under the crown, which may loosen it over time.
• Smoking or tobacco use – These habits don’t just stain teeth but can also affect gum health around the crown, leading to long-term complications.
• Chewing on non-food objects (like fingernails or pens) – A common but damaging habit that weakens both natural teeth and crowns.

If you know you grind your teeth or have a habit of snacking on crunchy foods, consider discussing preventive solutions with your dentist, such as a custom nightguard or dietary adjustments.

• Check for loose crowns or worn edges.
• Examine gum health around the crown.
• Take X-rays to ensure no decay has formed under the crown.
• Polish and professionally clean the crown for a natural shine.

At Heritage Pointe Dental, patients can access comprehensive dental crown services in Calgary, including check-ups, repairs, and replacements when needed. 

Regular monitoring helps avoid emergencies like crown loss or hidden cavities.

Common dental crown problems and how to handle them

Even with good care, crowns may sometimes face issues:

Never try to glue a crown back on with household adhesives. Seek immediate professional help.

Practical tips to extend the lifespan of your dental crown

• Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
• Eat a diet low in sugar and high in calcium.
• Avoid biting into hard objects.
• Stick to your dental check-ups every 6 months.
• If you feel discomfort or looseness, book an appointment right away.

Studies show that patients who follow preventive care and attend regular visits extend the life of crowns by an average of 7–10 years compared to those who don’t.

Maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile while caring for crowns

Dental crowns support both your oral health and your smile’s appearance. 

With good oral care, they can remain functional and beautiful for decades. 

From daily brushing and mindful eating to regular dental visits, help extend the life of your crown. 

At Heritage Pointe Dental, we specialize in crown dental Calgary treatments and ongoing support. 

From new crowns to repairs and ongoing maintenance, we’re here to ensure your smile stays healthy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long can a dental crown last with proper care?

With regular care, crowns can last 10–20 years, and sometimes even longer.

• Can dental crowns be whitened like natural teeth?

No, crowns cannot be whitened. If you’re considering whitening, it’s best to do it before crown placement so your crown can be matched to your new shade.

• What should I do if my dental crown becomes loose?

Avoid chewing on that side, keep the crown safe, and call your dentist immediately to have it recemented.

• Which foods should I avoid to protect my dental crown?

Limit very hard, sticky, or sugary foods. These can damage or loosen crowns.

• How often should I visit my dentist after getting a crown?

Routine dental visits every six months are recommended for crown check-ups and professional cleaning.

References

• ADA – Materials for Indirect Restorations
• PubMed Study on Crown Longevity
• Canadian Dental Association – Crowns

About the Author

Published on:
October 14, 2025