What to Avoid After Getting a Dental Crown

If you have a tooth that needs to be restored because of its size, shape, or strength, you’ll probably need a dental crown, a tooth-shaped dental device (also known as a cap) that fits over the offending tooth. Dental crowns are a great way to improve the appearance of your tooth and restore the strength of a compromised tooth. However, after the procedure there are a few things you’ll need to consider. Here, we’ll share what foods to avoid after getting a dental crown.

Extreme Temperatures Due to Sensitive Teeth

After you’ve gotten your crown, you may experience some sensitivity to temperature if your needing a crown was due to gum recession or if teeth neighboring your crowned tooth have thin enamel. If this sensation continues a week or two after your crown was placed, give us a call so we can see if the crown needs a readjustment or if you may need to use toothpaste specially-formulated to combat sensitive teeth.

Aerial view of homemade pink popsicles made with raspberries that might cause tooth sensitivity after a dental crown

Hard & Sticky Foods During the Temporary Crown Phase

When you go through the process of receiving a dental crown, you’ll first get fitted with a temporary crown before the permanent one is made specifically for you to fit perfectly over your tooth. Because the temporary crown is only fitted for a week or two, it won’t be cemented onto your tooth.

Therefore, you’ll need to be careful and avoid hard foods. This means everything from raw vegetables like carrots and celery to nuts to hard candies. If you need to eat hard foods, don’t chew them on the side of your mouth where the temporary crown is located. Sticky foods should be similarly avoided because you don’t want something like gum, fruit snacks, caramel, or taffy to pull off your temporary crown.

Closeup of two chocolate wafers with sticky caramel in the middle that would be harmful to a new dental crown

Sugary Foods & Drinks to Protect Your Oral Health

When you finally get your permanent dental crown, you won’t need to worry about foods pulling the crown out, but you should pay attention to what you’re eating and drinking for your dental health. Although the crown on top of your natural tooth is artificial and cannot decay, you are still susceptible to gum disease and your neighboring teeth can get cavities. To protect your oral health, keep your diet low in starchy foods and sugary drinks like chips, candy, lattes, and sports drinks, and high in fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, strawberries, bananas, carrots, and broccoli.

If you do indulge in tooth-unhealthy foods and drinks, do so in moderation. Bacteria feed off of residual sugary particles and turn them into enamel-destroying acds, so be sure to rinse your mouth with water after you’ve snacked to wash away those particles. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once a day to keep your natural teeth healthy and strong!

Ask Us for Additional Dental Health Tips!

If you have any other questions about how to properly care for your natural teeth or a new dental crown, get in touch with our expert team. Your oral health is our priority.

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