This One Mistake Can Ruin Your Dental Crown – Avoid It at All Costs!

Dental crowns are a common and effective way to restore damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth. Whether placed after a root canal, used to cover a large filling, or part of a dental implant, crowns play a vital role in protecting your oral health and restoring your smile’s function and aesthetics. But while dental crowns are durable, they’re not indestructible.

There’s one simple yet critical mistake many patients make after receiving a crown—and it can dramatically shorten the life of your restoration or even cause it to fail completely.

So, what’s the one mistake you should avoid at all costs?

Using your crown like a tool—or chewing hard objects.

In this blog, we’ll break down why this habit is so harmful, what happens when a crown fails, and how you can care for your dental crown the right way. At Ripon Dental, we want your dental work to last—and that starts with the right habits.

Understanding What a Dental Crown Does

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its strength, shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are often made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. They are custom-made to match your natural teeth and are bonded to the remaining structure of the tooth.

Crowns can last 10–15 years or more, but that lifespan depends heavily on how well you take care of them.

The #1 Mistake: Chewing Hard Objects or Using Your Teeth as Tools

Most people don’t realize how much damage they can do simply by chewing on things that aren’t food. Ice cubes, pen caps, fingernails, or even hard candies may seem harmless, but these habits can exert intense pressure on your dental crown—and that’s where problems begin.

Why Is This So Dangerous?

Dental crowns are designed to mimic the strength of natural teeth, but they don’t have the same flexibility. Biting into or chewing on hard substances can lead to:

• Fractured or chipped crowns
• Loosening of the crown from the tooth
• Cracked porcelain in porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
• Complete dislodgement of the crown

Once a crown is damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced altogether. And if the underlying tooth is affected, additional treatment like a root canal or even extraction might be required.

Other Habits That Can Harm Your Crown

While chewing on hard items is the top culprit, there are a few other behaviors that can also shorten your crown’s lifespan:

1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Grinding or clenching your teeth—especially at night—puts tremendous pressure on your crown and natural teeth. Over time, this can cause your crown to wear down or crack.

Solution: If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a custom night guard.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

A crown covers your tooth, but the underlying structure is still vulnerable to decay and gum disease. Neglecting to brush and floss properly can allow bacteria to enter beneath the crown, leading to decay and failure.

Solution: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antibacterial rinse if recommended.

3. Skipping Dental Checkups

Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your crown and catch any problems early. Ignoring discomfort or putting off checkups can lead to bigger issues later on.

Solution: See your dentist at least twice a year or as advised.

Signs Your Crown May Be Damaged

It’s important to recognize the early signs of a crown problem so you can address it before it worsens. Watch for:

• Sensitivity to temperature or pressure
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A loose or wobbly crown
• Visible cracks or chips
• Swelling or soreness near the crown

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Ripon Dental right away for an evaluation.

What to Do If Your Crown Is Damaged

If your dental crown breaks, cracks, or falls out, don’t panic—but don’t delay either.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Save the Crown (if it fell out): Place it in a clean container and bring it to your dentist.
2. Avoid Using That Side of Your Mouth: Don’t chew with the affected tooth until it’s fixed.
3. Call Your Dentist ASAP: Prompt attention can prevent further damage to the tooth underneath.

In many cases, we can reattach or replace your crown quickly and comfortably. The key is to act fast and avoid causing more trauma to the area.

How to Keep Your Crown in Great Shape

You’ve invested time and money into your dental work—so it’s only natural to want it to last. Here are our top tips to protect your crown:

• Avoid chewing ice, pens, and other non-food items
• Skip extremely sticky or hard foods like caramel or hard candies
• Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Brush and floss daily, paying close attention to the gum line
• Visit Ripon Dental for regular checkups and cleanings

With proper care, your crown can last well over a decade, giving you lasting comfort, function, and confidence.

Final Thoughts: A Simple Mistake with Big Consequences

Your dental crown is designed to protect your tooth and restore your smile, but it’s only as strong as the care you give it. The one mistake of using your crown to chew hard items or open packaging may seem minor—but it could cost you the crown and compromise your tooth’s health.

Avoid this costly error by treating your crown with care and adopting healthy dental habits. If you ever have questions or concerns, the team at Ripon Dental is here to help.

Ready for Lasting Dental Care? Visit Ripon Dental Today!

At Ripon Dental, we’re proud to offer compassionate, family-focused dentistry with a commitment to long-term results. Whether you need a crown, a cleaning, or just a routine checkup, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Protect your smile, protect your crown—start with expert care at Ripon Dental.