When considering the best countries for dental veneers, dental tourism has become increasingly popular, with patients seeking top-quality treatment at competitive prices abroad. But wherever you have your dental veneers or dental crowns done, looking after them properly is what makes them last.
Continually caring for your oral hygiene is important for teeth with crowns and bridges, to ensure your treatment lasts for many years. The recommended order for your routine is to floss and use an interdental brush first, then brush your teeth, and finish with mouthwash.
How to Brush Your Dental Veneers or Crowns
Brushing with the wrong technique, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or brushing too aggressively are the main causes of gum recession. The most basic step in maintaining hygiene is brushing twice a day, which clears away the plaque and tartar that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Brush for at least two minutes each time, using a soft toothbrush (or, with an electric brush, a soft or medium head) and a fluoride toothpaste. You should also brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath — position your brush at the back of the tongue and brush forwards and backwards.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become badly worn, and use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. After brushing, spit out the excess but don’t rinse your mouth with water — rinsing washes away the fluoride and reduces its protective effect. Avoid whitening toothpaste, too, as it can be abrasive and affect the surface of your crowns; a gentle toothpaste for gums or sensitive teeth is better.
Make sure to brush all surfaces of your crowns and teeth — front, back, and chewing surfaces. Tilt your toothbrush towards the gums; this helps the gums sit snugly around your crowns and reduces the risk of recession. A good rule is to always brush from the pink area (gum) towards the white area (crown), and use a gentle forward-and-backward motion on the chewing surfaces.
How to Floss Your Dental Crowns & Bridges
Flossing is another essential part of maintaining hygiene. It removes plaque and food debris from between your crowns and under the gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Floss every one or two days, ideally just before bedtime.
To floss properly, use about 18 inches (45 cm) of floss wrapped around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches between your hands. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, making a C-shape around each one and moving it up and down, cleaning both sides of each crown and under the gum line. To clean under a dental bridge, position the end of the floss in the gap beneath the bridge and slide it across to the other side. A little bleeding the first few times is normal — don’t stop, as it will settle once you floss regularly. Floss is single-use, so throw it away afterwards. Flossing regularly will prolong the life of your crowns and bridges.
Additional Cleaning Aids
Interdental Toothbrush
Use an interdental brush with your dentist’s guidance, as overusing it can damage your gums. You don’t need toothpaste — water is enough — and you shouldn’t apply pressure, as this can harm your gums. Interdental brushes come in different sizes, identified by colour, so ask your dentist to help you choose the right one. Bend the wire when cleaning between the back teeth. They aren’t single-use, but replace them once you see any deformation.
Water Flosser
Also known as an oral irrigator, a water flosser aims a stream of water at your teeth. It reaches surfaces that a regular toothbrush and floss can’t, and many people find it easier to use than string floss. Using both floss and a water flosser ensures a high percentage of debris and plaque is cleaned away. It’s especially useful for patients with implant-supported crowns and permanent bridges. Aim the tip at the gum line, move along the teeth pausing briefly between each, and target the water from both the front and back for about a minute.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great addition to your routine — it helps kill bacteria, freshen your breath, prevent plaque build-up, and reduce one of the leading causes of gingivitis. Different types are available, such as fluoride mouthwash for cavity prevention and antiseptic mouthwash for gum-disease prevention; fluoride mouthwashes strengthen the enamel and protect it from acid. Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing, don’t swallow it, and don’t rinse with water afterwards. Once or twice a day is recommended, especially before bedtime.
Hygienist Appointments
Regular check-ups are necessary for maintaining hygiene. During your visit, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and crowns, take X-rays if necessary, and clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar. After this scale and polish, the hygienist polishes your teeth, smoothing the surface of your crowns. Your dentist can also spot any potential issues early and offer tips to improve your routine — see our guide to the benefits of regular check-ups for more. It’s recommended to visit once a year for a routine check-up and cleaning.
Foods to Avoid
Sticky or chewy foods can affect the cement holding your restorations, so be mindful with snacks like caramel, toffee, and chewing gum — not only can they stick to your crown, they’re also high in sugar. Steak is another example of a food that can be tough on a new crown; it’s better to cut it with a knife than to tear it with your teeth.
Conclusion
Maintaining good hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and protecting your investment in your smile. By following these tips — brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash, seeing your dentist regularly, and looking after your restorations — you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Thinking about veneers or crowns, or have questions about caring for the ones you have? Our veneers price guide sets out what each material costs and how long it lasts. Start a free online dental consultation and our team will be happy to advise, with no obligation.
Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. graduated with his dental degree from the Faculty of Dentistry in Izmir, Turkey, in 2003. With over two decades of experience, he has developed a deep passion for cosmetic dentistry, using only the finest techniques and most advanced materials to create beautiful smiles.
Co-founder of Smile Dental, one of Turkey’s most advanced dental clinics, Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. is our lead smile designer — combining years of hands-on expertise with cutting-edge digital smile design technology. Working closely with each patient, he tailors treatments to individual goals using his extensive knowledge in dental crowns and veneers.
Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. is fluent in Turkish and English.
