When you’ve invested in dental crowns or bridges, you want them to last—and serve you well—for many years.

But like all restorations, they require proper care. In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical tips and insider knowledge (from working hands-on with patients) to help maintain your dental work and protect your natural teeth.

If you’d like to explore the crowns & bridges services we offer, you can visit our service page here: Restorative Crowns & Bridges at Alta Loma Dental Care

Why Proper Care Matters

Crowns and bridges are part of fixed prosthodontics—restorations permanently affixed to your teeth or implants. Even though they are durable, they are not invincible. The areas where they connect to natural teeth or gums are vulnerable to:

  • Plaque accumulation
  • Gum inflammation / periodontal disease
  • Decay on the supporting teeth
  • Wear, chipping, or loosening over time

If complications arise—say, decay under a crown or looseness—you might need repair or replacement, which is costlier and more invasive. So preventive care is your best ally.

According to the American-standard guidelines and practice blogs, well-maintained crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or more.

Now, let’s go into actionable steps.

Daily Oral Hygiene: Brush, Floss, and More

Your at-home habits are the foundation of crown/bridge longevity. Here’s how to do it right:

a. Brushing

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
  • Focus on the margins—the junctions where the crown or bridge meets your gums—using gentle, angled strokes to remove plaque buildup.
  • Brush for at least 2 minutes, twice a day.

b. Flossing / Interdental Cleaning

  • Natural floss may not reach under the pontic (the “fake tooth” part of a bridge). Use floss threaders, super-floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to clean underneath.
  • Threaders or “bridge flossers” help you slide floss beneath the bridge so you can clean both sides of supporting teeth.
  • Be consistent—daily flossing is essential.

c. Mouthwash / Rinse

  • Use a non-alcoholic antimicrobial or fluoride rinse to help reduce bacteria in areas hard to reach.
  • Avoid overly strong or abrasive rinses that can discolor or damage restorative materials.

Diet & Habits: What to Eat — and Avoid

Even the strongest restorations can be stressed by certain foods or habits. Here’s what to watch for:

Foods & Behaviors to Avoid (or Use Caution With):

  • Hard foods: ice, hard candies, pits of fruits
  • Sticky foods: caramel, chewing gum
  • Chewing on non-food objects: pens, fingernails
  • Using teeth as tools (e.g. opening packages)
  • Very cold or very hot foods (especially in initial weeks)

Better Alternatives:

  • Softer fruits and vegetables (e.g. well-cooked apples, steamed veggies)
  • Smooth nut butters (if you enjoy nuts)
  • Cut meats into smaller pieces
  • Use your non-restoration side initially while healing

Also, smoking and excessive alcohol use can compromise gum health, discolor crowns/bridges, and raise your risk of periodontal disease.

Be Gentle with Temporary Crowns / Bridges

If your restoration was placed in phases, you likely wore a temporary crown or bridge first. During that period:

  • Avoid biting hard foods on that side
  • Be especially gentle when flossing adjacent teeth—do not pop floss out forcefully
  • If the temporary restoration loosens or falls off, contact your dentist right away; if intact, re-seat gently (if directed by your dentist)

Once your permanent crown/bridge is placed, revert to the standard care routine.

Monitor & Recognize Warning Signs Early

You should stay alert to any changes. Some red flags worth noting:

  • Sensitivity or pain when biting
  • Looseness or rocking of a crown/bridge
  • Discomfort or inflammation in surrounding gums
  • Unusual color changes or visible cracks
  • Food trapping more than usual

If any of these occur, contact your dentist promptly—early intervention can prevent further damage.

Professional Maintenance: What We Do at Alta Loma Dental Care

Even with perfect home care, you need professional oversight.

a. Regular Check-ups & Cleanings

Visiting us every 6 months allows us to:

  • Remove tartar in hard-to-reach areas
  • Check the fit and integrity of crowns/bridges
  • Detect signs of decay under or around restorations
  • Adjust or re-cement if needed

b. X-rays / Radiographs

We’ll occasionally take radiographs to inspect tooth structure beneath restorations and ensure no hidden decay is forming.

c. Repairs & Replacements

  • Minor chips can sometimes be polished or patched
  • Loose restorations might be re-cemented if undamaged
  • Severely compromised restorations may need re-fabrication

We work with modern dental labs and materials to ensure that replacements look natural and function properly.

Serving Rancho Cucamonga & Nearby Cities

For patients in Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Upland, Ontario, Fontana, Claremont, and surrounding areas, Alta Loma Dental Care is your neighbor. We’re conveniently located at 7283 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701.

Our community-focused approach means we understand local patient needs and aim to provide accessible, high-quality restorative care. If you live in one of those nearby cities, our team is ready to support not just your initial restoration but its long-term success.

If you’d like to get started or have concerns about your existing crowns or bridges, schedule an appointment with our restorative team at Alta Loma Dental Care via our crowns & bridges service page.

Conclusion

Caring for your crowns and bridges doesn’t have to be complicated—but consistency is key. With gentle but thorough daily hygiene, mindful eating and habits, and regular professional check-ups, you can greatly extend the life and function of your restorations.

For those in Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, and nearby cities, we welcome you to visit our Restorative Dentistry Crowns & Bridges page and schedule a consultation. Let us help you keep your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.

FAQs for Caring for Your Crowns & Bridges

How long do crowns and bridges last?

With proper care, they commonly last 10–15 years or more. Some factors like your oral hygiene, biting habits, and check-up frequency influence longevity.

Can I use an electric toothbrush on crowns/bridges?

Yes—provided it has a soft brush head. Electric toothbrushes can enhance plaque removal, especially around marginal areas. Just avoid aggressive brushing.

What happens if my bridge becomes loose?

Don’t try to force it back. Contact your dentist. If the restoration is intact, it may be re-cemented or adjusted.

How do I clean under a dental bridge?

Use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to pass beneath the pontic and clean both sides of the supporting teeth.

Can crowns or bridges stain over time?

Yes—especially porcelain or composite materials. Using whitening toothpaste on adjacent natural teeth can help maintain uniform appearance. Also avoid staining agents (e.g. coffee, red wine, tobacco).