Investing in your smile—whether through dental implants, porcelain crowns, dentures, or clear aligners—is an important decision that improves both your oral health and self-confidence. At BU Dental in Pleasant Hill, we understand that long-lasting results depend on ongoing care, and we’re here to help you protect your investment for the years to come.

Why Dental Work Needs Ongoing Maintenance

Dental restorations are designed to be strong and durable, but they’re not invincible. Everyday wear, poor oral hygiene, or grinding your teeth at night can gradually damage restorations like crowns, implants, or dentures. Even tooth-colored fillings and cosmetic upgrades like teeth whitening or clear aligners need some upkeep to ensure lasting results.

If you've undergone procedures such as tooth extraction in Pleasant Hill or have had dental implants placed, your mouth is already working harder to adapt and heal. Maintaining that progress requires thoughtful daily habits and regular professional care.

Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene Routine

One of the most effective ways to protect your dental work is by committing to a consistent hygiene routine:

• Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth.
• Use mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
• Avoid harsh whitening products not approved by your dentist.

If you've invested in services like teeth whitening in Pleasant Hill CA or porcelain crowns, a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste can go a long way in preserving their appearance.

Schedule Routine Dental Visits

Seeing your dentist regularly helps identify issues early and keeps your restorations in excellent condition. Whether you’ve had clear aligners or a full set of dentures, we recommend professional cleanings and exams at least twice a year.

At BU Dental, we closely monitor any existing restorations for signs of wear, gum irritation, or shifting. If you’ve had a dental implant placed in Pleasant Hill, timely check-ups ensure the surrounding bone remains healthy and that your restoration is functioning correctly.

Avoid Habits That Damage Dental Work

Many people don’t realize how everyday actions can compromise their dental work. Chewing on ice, using your teeth as tools, or grinding during sleep can all lead to cracked crowns, worn dentures, or damaged fillings.

Patients who grind their teeth—especially those with recent porcelain crowns or dental implants—may benefit from a custom night guard. At our Pleasant Hill office, we frequently fit night guards for those at risk of chipping or loosening their restorations.

Be Cautious with Diet Choices

What you eat matters more than you may think. Sticky candies, hard nuts, and very hot or cold foods can all negatively impact dental work. For example, dentures in Pleasant Hill may loosen if you're frequently chewing very tough foods, while composite fillings may stain more quickly if you're regularly consuming dark beverages.

Limiting sugar and acidic foods also protects both natural teeth and any restorations, helping to prevent decay around the margins of crowns or under bridgework.

Wear a Mouth Guard If You’re Active

If you play sports or engage in high-contact activities, a mouth guard is essential. We offer customized protection to help prevent damage to your restorations and natural teeth alike. Whether you’ve had porcelain crowns, a recent tooth extraction, or clear aligners in Pleasant Hill, a mouth guard is one of the simplest forms of preventive care.



Know When to Reach Out to an Emergency Dentist

Despite your best efforts, accidents and dental emergencies can happen. A chipped crown, loose implant, or fractured denture should be addressed quickly to avoid complications. If you ever need an emergency dentist near you in Pleasant Hill, BU Dental is here with prompt, expert care.