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What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its natural shape, size, strength, and appearance. Once a baby tooth has been covered with a crown, the tooth will be protected from premature loss or extraction.

 

When Baby Teeth May Need Crowns

The most common reason baby teeth are restored with crowns is tooth decay. Since the enamel on baby teeth is thinner than it is on adult teeth, decay typically spreads more easily and affects a larger area of the tooth. When this occurs, a crown may be the only way to save a baby tooth from premature extraction. Crowns are also used to protect baby teeth that are cracked or chipped and to cover baby teeth that have been treated with root canals.

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How to Help Your Child Avoid the Need for Crowns

It’s never too early to speak to your child about how important it is to take good care of his or her baby teeth! By doing the following, you can help your child avoid the need for dental crowns:

• Show your child how to properly brush his/her teeth after every meal and at bedtime

• Talk to your child about the importance of not biting down on hard foods

• Provide your child with healthy snacks instead of snacks full of sugar and carbs

• Tell your child never to use his or her teeth as tools to loosen things or to open packages

• Schedule visits with your child’s Chicago pediatric dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings

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Schedule a Visit Today!

Good dental habits are best established by an early age, and Growing Smiles is excited to be a part of such an important milestone in your child’s life. With offices in St. Clair Shores and Chesterfield, we're just a hop, skip, and a jump away! You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to taking care of your child's beautiful smile!