Seemingly Harmless Ways You Can Break Your Dental Crown

At Favero Family Dental in Denton, Texas, Drs. K Favero and Stephen Blake Favero often see patients who are surprised when their dental crowns break. Dental crowns are designed to be durable but aren’t indestructible. Understanding what habits can damage your crown is essential to avoid an unexpected break. If you’ve ever wondered, “How often do crowns break?” you may be surprised to learn how many everyday activities can put your crown at risk. Here are some seemingly harmless habits that can break a dental crown.

Chewing on Hard Foods

Though dental crowns are built to handle regular chewing, hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy can cause fractures. Even biting down the wrong way on something as innocent as a carrot can crack your crown. Always be cautious with harder foods, and try to chew with your natural teeth to protect your crown.

Nail Biting

This nervous habit can be more damaging than you think. When you bite your nails, you’re subjecting your teeth and any dental crowns to unnecessary pressure. This can weaken the bond holding your crown in place, eventually leading to cracks or dislodging it completely. Over time, nail biting can turn into an actual problem for your dental work.

Using Teeth as Tools

We’ve all done it—using teeth to open packages, bite off a tag, or twist off a bottle cap. While convenient, using your teeth this way can quickly lead to dental damage. Your crown, in particular, isn’t designed for this kind of pressure and misuse. If you’re not careful, you may end up with a cracked or broken crown that requires replacement.

Before and After Actual Patient Results

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down a dental crown and increase the risk of it cracking or breaking. Bruxism often goes unnoticed until damage is done, so if you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, it’s worth mentioning to Drs. Favero during your next visit. Nightguards are a simple solution to protect your crown from nightly grinding.

Poor Oral Hygiene

While dental crowns are durable, poor oral hygiene can weaken the tooth beneath the crown. When the tooth becomes compromised, the crown may lose its proper fit, making it more likely to break. Brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups at Favero Family Dental are essential for maintaining the health of both your natural teeth and any crowns you have.

Accidents or Falls

It might seem obvious, but physical trauma from a fall or accidental bump to the mouth can crack or dislodge your crown. Wearing a mouthguard during sports or physical activities can help prevent this. Be mindful of protecting your teeth whenever there’s a chance of impact.

Want To Learn More About Dental Crowns?

Protecting your dental crown is about more than just avoiding hard foods or practicing good oral hygiene—it’s about recognizing the seemingly harmless habits that could lead to breakage. If you suspect that your dental crown may need attention, don’t hesitate to contact Favero Family Dental in Denton, Texas. Drs. K Favero and Stephen Blake Favero are here to help keep your smile in perfect condition! Call (940) 566-2847 today to schedule an appointment!

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