To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting Dr. Argyle and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.