Your new crown is essentially a perfect replica of the enamel layer of the tooth. Even though your crown is made from either porcelain, gold, or metal alloys, it still needs to be brushed and flossed twice each day. If residual food particles and plaque are not cleaned away it will harden into tartar.
Gum disease is primarily caused by hardened tartar at the gum line. Left unchecked it can pose a very serious threat to your crown in multiple ways.
The advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth, creating small pockets of infection in your gums. Constant bacterial exposure in this area can give the bacteria direct access to the seam where your crown is cemented to the abutment. This could potentially start to weaken the cement holding the crown to the abutment.
In time, periodontitis can even cause a loss of bone structure that anchor the abutments to your jaw. This could cause the core of the tooth to come loose or result in the abutment breaking off inside the gum line.
If you do have some tartar build up on your teeth or you develop gum disease issues, the problem can often be treated by a dental cleaning and checkup with one of [practice_name]’s dentists.
If you have questions or concerns about the best way to clean and maintain your new crown, you can always call [practice_name]’s [city], [state] clinic at [phone] for further advice.