Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Crowns
Patients with decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth can benefit from dental crowns at our Boston, MA practice. This type of restoration covers the entire surface of a tooth, offering strength and reinforcement.
Although crowns are incredibly durable, they are not invulnerable to chipping or breakage. Here, our team at Dental Associates of New England discusses foods and drinks to avoid with crowns so you can protect your investment and your overall oral health.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Temporary Crowns
When undergoing treatment for a dental crown, your dentist will place a temporary restoration while your permanent crown is fabricated.
A temporary crown protects the affected tooth, prevents sensitivity, and stops bacteria from infecting the tooth.
Temporary crowns are bonded into place with temporary cement. Therefore, they are not as strong as permanent restorations.
After placement of your temporary crown you should avoid:
- Foods that are extremely hot or cold
- Tough foods such as steak or hard breads
- Hard foods like ice, hard candy, and granola
- Sticky foods such as taffy, caramel, or gum
We also recommend that you chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible. This will reduce the risk of damage or dislodgement.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Permanent Crowns
Once your permanent crown is in place, you will have fewer dietary restrictions. However, there are still a few things we recommend avoiding. These include:
- Hard or crunchy foods: While they may be okay in moderation, hard or crunchy foods should be avoided if you have a dental crown. These types of foods can chip or break your restoration.
- Sticky foods: Extremely sticky foods like certain types of caramel can potentially dislodge or pull off your crown. Be mindful of your restoration when choosing snacks.
- Popcorn and nuts: If you accidentally bite down on an uncooked popcorn kernel, it could be detrimental to your dental crown. Nuts should also be avoided.
- Ice: If you are in the habit of chewing on ice, it is important to stop this habit. This can cause damage to your crown and your natural teeth.
- Raw vegetables: Choose cooked vegetables over raw vegetables. These are softer and will not cause damage to your restoration.
Other Tips for Preserving Your Restorations
In addition to being mindful of the foods that you choose, it is also important to avoid certain habits and behaviors. If you have a dental crown, we recommend that you:
- Never use your teeth as tools. In other words, do not open packages, groom your nails, or tear tags off of clothing with your teeth. These behaviors can damage natural teeth as well as your crowns.
- Brush and floss regularly. Fortunately, crowns can be cared for in the same way as natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and floss once daily.
- Visit your dentist routinely. Whether you have a dental crown or not, you should see your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations at least every six months.
Contact Dental Associates of New England Today
By following the guidelines explored above, you can protect your dental crown and preserve your investment. Contact us to learn more.