A dental crown is a cap that sits over your tooth, helping to restore its strength, appearance and size. Patients typically receive crowns when suffering from severe tooth damage due to trauma or decay. Dental crowns not only protect weak teeth but they restore the appearance of a chipped tooth, cover dental implants and keep a dental bridge in place.
While your dental crown is being made, your dentist will provide you with a temporary dental crown. Let’s explore what foods and drinks to avoid with both temporary and permanent dental crowns.
What You Should Avoid with Temporary Crowns
If possible, avoid consuming the following:
- Sticky and chewy foods can pull out the crown – caramel, gum, taffy, etc.
- Hard foods can dislodge the crown – hard candy, ice, apples, etc.
- Extremely hot or cold food
- Sugary foods can lead to plaque buildup between the gumline and tooth – candy, ice cream, desserts, etc.
- Soft drinks and energy drinks can erode tooth enamel surrounding the temporary crown
Make sure to chew with the opposite side of your mouth to reduce the likelihood of the crown coming off. You could lift the crown when pulling upward while flossing so try to slide out the floss so you don’t accidentally remove the crown.
What You Should Avoid with Permanent Crowns
You’ll have a less restrictive diet with permanent crowns but there are still some foods you should avoid after you receive permanent crowns.
- Hard and crunchy food can break or chip the crown – pretzels, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, etc.
- Sticky foods that pull at the crown – gum, caramel, raisins, Starburst, Swedish Fish, etc.
- Biting on non-food items can damage the crown – chewing on pen, biting nails, etc.
Helpful Tips to Preserve Your Dental Crowns
Protecting your dental crowns has substantial benefits, including increasing the longevity of your crown. While you should be avoiding the foods above, make sure to follow the tips below to preserve your dental crowns:
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss every day, paying close attention to the crown itself
Wear mouth guards: These are instrumental when it comes to protecting your teeth during sports, ensuring the dental crown remains damage-free
Don’t use your teeth as tools: Avoid using your teeth to open packages or you could
If you’re in need of dental crowns in the Brookline area or you’ve recently received dental crowns and need a check-up, contact the cosmetic dentists at Longwood Dental at 617.843.6645.