Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Crowns
When it comes to custom restorations, dental crowns are an ideal treatment for serious tooth decay and fractures. The Jackson, MS team at Family Dental Care have helped cap countless teeth over the years, allowing people to smile, bite, and chew with renewed confidence.
Proper after care of a newly placed crown helps ensure the best long-term results. That’s why Dr. Danny O'Keefe and his team would like to consider some diet do’s and don’ts for people who’ve recently received dental crowns. Avoiding these foods and drinks will be ideal for initial recovery and long-term dental health results.
Hold/Cold Food Items
In the first several days of getting a dental crown, you may notice that your newly crowned tooth is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. To avoid sensitivity, try to ingest only lukewarm foods and beverages at first.
Sticky, Gooey Candy
Taffy, caramel, toffee, and other kinds of candies that are gooey and sticky might yank your new crowns loose if you aren’t careful. Try to avoid sugary snacks in general for the first week or so after getting your dental crowns.
Hard Candy
Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers aren’t any good on your crowns either. They can lead to discomfort and can pry a crown loose if you aren’t careful. In addition to avoiding these kinds of treats for the first weeks after getting a crown, try to limit all candy consumption going forward.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum may be good for freshening your breath, but it’s bad if you’ve just gotten crowns. Avoid chewing gum until your dentist says it’s okay, and then stick with a sugar0free chewing gum from here on out to prevent decay.
Raisins
Raisins are good snacks that pack a lot of energy if you’re active, but they can get sticky. Bits of raisins might get lodged in and around a crown where it shouldn’t be. Be wary of raisins in those first weeks of getting a dental crown placed.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another excellent snack that’s a great source of healthy fats and protein. Unfortunately, chewing on nuts and seeds can cause tooth sensitivity, and may have a negative impact on new crowns. Wait a few weeks before having a handful of nuts again.
Popcorn
Though this snack is light, fluffy, and filling, the bits from the popcorn kernels can wind up stuck between your teeth and along the seam where a dental crown was placed. Avoid popcorn until your dentist says it’s okay.
Crispy Vegetables
A diet rich in fresh vegetables is great for you, but carrots, broccoli, and other crisp vegetables can be a bit hard on your crowns as you bite and chew. Stick with soft or cooked vegetables at first to avoid sore crowns.
Crunchy Fruits
The rules that apply to vegetable also apply to crunchy fruits given the strain they can place on crowns. You can return to apples, pears, and other nutritious and delicious fruits once your crown has fully set.
Tough Meats
Steak, beef jerky, and other kinds of tough meats make biting and chewing a challenge. This is fine with natural teeth and properly set restorations, but this meat can have a negative impact on new crowns.
Ice Cubes
While technically not food, people do chew ice cubes. This bad habit can lead to tooth fractures over time. Unsurprisingly, this activity also have a negative impact on dental crowns. Be sure to avoid biting or chewing on any type of hard object in general for the sake of your dental health.
Soda and Sugary Drinks
Sodas and surgery beverages can increase your risk of tooth decay and acidic erosion. These beverages have have negative effects on dental crowns, causing wear and tear. Try to stay hydrated with water instead, saving other drinks as a treat.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
To learn more about keeping your dental crowns looking great for many years to come, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Family Dental Care is here to help you. You can reach our office by phone at (601) 936-2526.
