As you get older, it’s understandable that your teeth may wear down over time. You might end up needing crowns or other types of replacements in order to keep your mouth in good, functioning health. If you are worried about taking care of your teeth as you get older, keep in mind that quality care can make a positive difference over the duration of your life. If you do end up needing crowns, it is still possible to take excellent care of your teeth, which you should, since you’ll have a crown to manage, too. Learn more about the best ways to preserve your dental health with a few basic changes to your lifestyle.

Brush and Floss Twice a Day

It’s important for your oral health to brush and floss twice a day. Brushing and flossing are key elements in removing plaque and pieces of food that are stuck tightly between your teeth. If left too long there, cavities can form. When untreated, the cavities can require you to get a root canal or possibly even a dental implant. You can preserve your natural teeth as long as possible by practicing good oral hygiene and following a schedule that includes brushing after breakfast and before you go to bed, making a point to use dental floss to get anything your toothbrush couldn’t reach and follow off by using mouthwash to kill any germs left behind.

See Your Dentist Regularly

By visiting your dentist regularly, you can ensure you have the best possible dental health for your teeth and gums. If you go to the dentist when you have small problems, such as a slight cavity, this can prevent bigger issues from happening, like needing a full-on replacement. Your dentist can show you the best way to care for your teeth, allowing you to avoid needing reconstruction of your teeth and gums later on. Another benefit to frequent visits is getting to know your mouth better and detecting when something might be going on. For example, if it feels like your gums are receding or you notice a tooth has become loose, you can bring these issues up to the dentist sooner and get faster results that way, rather than waiting until it becomes a problem. Your dentist can suggest quality tools that can help you maintain your teeth, such as electronic toothbrushes and water picks.

Managing Crowns

If you do end up needing a crown, don’t despair. Crowns are frequently used when there is a need for a root canal. The pulp or root of the tooth is removed, and then a crown, or fake tooth that slides over your real tooth, is used to hold everything in place. Your crown is held in place with dental cement and should look similar enough to the rest of your teeth. Although it might seem jarring at first, plenty of people encounter the need for a dental crown. You may even know people who have crowns, but you wouldn’t realize it unless they told you.

Taking Care of Crowns

Taking care of your crowns is crucial because you want to avoid food getting stuck around the crowns and causing decay or other problems to the healthy teeth surrounding the crown. When you have your dental procedures down, your dentist will make impressions of your current tooth so the crown can be matched to it in terms of size and proper fit. You might be given a temporary crown in the meantime. Once you have the permanent one, you should have a good fit, and it should blend with the rest of your teeth. Ask your dentist how to clean and manage your crown while you are healing. During the fitting process, make sure you speak up if you feel the crown does not fit properly, is too tight or loose, or is causing pain. All of these signs can lead to further problems later on, so it is best to correct them before you are sent home.

Always Get the Help You Need

No matter what is going on with your dental health, it is crucial to get the assistance you need from your dentist. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or even get a second opinion if you feel something is wrong. Although navigating dental issues can feel frustrating when you are in the middle of them, you should view it as an investment in your health that can last for many years to come.

Taking care of your dental needs should involve brushing and flossing on a regular basis. Schedule regular dental visits in to determine if there is a problem early on. If you do need crowns, you be fitted and taught how to take care of them, so it becomes second nature. Above all, you should view taking care of your mouth as something that will benefit you for the rest of your life.