After getting a dental crown, choosing the right foods helps protect it and reduce sensitivity. Soft foods like yogurt and soup are best at first, while hard or sticky foods should be avoided to prevent damage. Limiting sugary snacks also helps keep the area healthy and prevents decay around the crown. Want to know which foods you should avoid to keep your crown safe? Keep reading to find out!
13 Foods to Avoid After a Dental Crown
To keep your dental crown in good shape and avoid pain or damage, it’s important to avoid certain foods, especially in the first days after the procedure. Here are 13 foods you should steer clear of:
1. Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can pull at your crown and loosen it. They can also leave behind sugar that leads to decay around the crown (e.g. caramel, taffy, gummy candy).
2. Hard Foods
Biting down on hard foods can crack or chip your crown, especially if it’s new (e.g. nuts, popcorn, ice).
3. Chewy Foods
Chewy foods put pressure on your crown and can cause discomfort or even dislodge it (e.g. tough meat, bagels).
4. Crunchy Snacks
Crunchy foods can create small cracks in your crown or irritate the area around it (e.g. chips, pretzels).
5. Sugary Foods and Sweets
Sugar feeds bacteria and can lead to decay at the edge of the crown or under it.
6. Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acid wears down the enamel around your crown and may cause tooth sensitivity (e.g. citrus fruits, soda).
7. Extremely Hot or Cold Foods
Temperature extremes can cause sharp pain or sensitivity, especially right after getting the crown.
8. Raw Vegetables
Raw veggies are healthy, but very hard to chew right after your crown placement. Steam them instead.
9. Corn on the Cob
Biting into corn can loosen or shift your crown. Try cutting it off the cob instead.
10. Ice Cubes
Chewing ice is a common way to crack or damage crowns and natural teeth.
11. Dried Fruits
Sticky and sugary, dried fruits can cling to your crown and increase the risk of decay.
12. Steak and Hard-Crust Bread
These foods require a lot of chewing and can stress or loosen your crown, especially during the healing period.
13. Sticky Rice and Chewing Gum
Both can stick to and pull at your crown, possibly shifting it out of place.
What Can I Eat After Getting a Crown
After getting a dental crown, it’s important to choose soft, gentle foods that won’t put pressure on your tooth. These foods help protect your crown while your mouth heals and adjusts. Here’s what you can safely eat:
- Mashed potatoes: soft and easy to chew
- Smoothies: nutritious and gentle on your teeth
- Yogurt: smooth, cool, and low in sugar (choose plain if possible)
- Scrambled eggs: soft and high in protein
- Soup (lukewarm): Avoid hot soup; stick to soft ingredients
- Applesauce: a great alternative to raw fruit
- Soft-cooked vegetables, like steamed carrots or zucchini
- Oatmeal: warm and filling without being too hard to chew
- Bananas and ripe fruits: soft and naturally sweet
- Pasta and soft rice: easy to eat and satisfying
Stick to these foods for the first few days, and gradually return to your normal diet as your dentist recommends. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the crown until you’re fully healed.
Temporary Crown vs. Permanent Crown
| Type of Crown | Foods to Avoid | Safe Foods to Eat | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Crown | Sticky, hard, chewy foods (e.g., caramel, nuts, chewing gum) | Soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups | Temporary crowns are weaker and can break or fall off easily |
| Permanent Crown | Very hard or sticky foods (e.g., hard candy, ice, sticky sweets) | Balanced diet with less sugar, soft to medium foods | Permanent crowns are stronger but still need care to avoid damage |
Knowing these differences will help you take care of your smile during all stages of your Dental crown.
How Do I Care For My Dental Crown?
Taking care of dental crowns is essential for protecting your investment and keeping your smile healthy. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss carefully around the crown to remove plaque and prevent gum issues. Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or pens, and stay away from sticky foods that can pull at the crown. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can help prevent damage. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also important to monitor the crown and the health of the tooth underneath. With good daily care and routine dental visits, your crown can last for many years without problems.
Protect Your Smile with Expert Dental Hygiene and Crown Care in North York
Worried about dental crown issues or maintaining healthy gums? Our North York dental clinic offers professional dental hygiene services and crown care to keep your smile strong and protected. Whether you need a new crown, a crown check-up, or routine cleaning, we’re here to help!
FAQs
When can I eat normally after getting a dental crown?
You can usually eat normally once the crown is fully cemented, which is often the same day or after 24 hours if a temporary crown was used.
How are dental crowns made?
Crowns are made by taking a mold of your tooth, then creating a custom cover from materials like porcelain or metal in a dental lab.
How long after a crown is cemented can I drink coffee?
You can drink coffee right after the crown is cemented, but avoid very hot coffee for a few hours to let the cement fully set.
Can I eat a burger with a temporary crown?
It’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods like burgers with a temporary crown to prevent damage or loosening.
Can I eat hard food with a permanent crown?
Yes, you can eat hard foods carefully with a permanent crown, but avoid biting very hard items to protect the crown.
Can I bite with front crowns?
Yes, front crowns are designed to handle biting, but be gentle with hard foods to avoid damage.
Can I chew gum with a crown?
It’s best to avoid chewing gum, especially with a temporary crown, because it can stick and damage the crown.
Can I eat chips with a temporary or permanent crown?
You can eat chips with a permanent crown carefully, but avoid chips with a temporary crown to prevent loosening.
How long after a crown is cemented can I drink tea?
You can drink tea right after the crown is cemented, but wait a few hours if the tea is very hot to let the cement set.
