How to Safely Floss Around a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are one of the best ways of preserving your natural tooth after a root canal or repairing a large area of tooth decay. Without this covering, you are at risk of fracturing your tooth, which can lead to an extraction. Once placed, taking care of the new crown is just as important as caring for a natural tooth!

Importance Of Flossing Around Dental Crowns

Even though your crown covers most of your tooth, the margins can still collect buildup. Flossing between your teeth is the best way to keep food and bacteria from building up underneath the gums and between the teeth. If left too long, the soft plaque will harden into tartar and begin to cause a breakdown of the gums and bone. Removing any debris and build-up will minimize the chances of developing gum disease which affects the bone and can lead to tooth loss. Similarly, recurring tooth decay around your crown could lead to crown failure.

How To Floss Around a Crown

Flossing between and around your dental crown is a must; the crown won’t fall if, but it might if you don’t floss regularly (due to recurring decay).

Be sure to slide the floss down between the teeth in a gentle up and down motion, sliding it against the side of the tooth and under the gums. Lift the floss up and over your gum tissues and repeat on the next tooth. If your floss seems to be stuck, do not force it “up and out”; rather, gently pull from the side of your teeth to remove it.

Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to serve you and your family in all of your dental care needs. If you need a dental crown or questions about the process, contact us today.