One of the critical uses of a dental crown is to protect your natural tooth from further damage. No matter the size, strength and appearance of your natural tooth, the crown will be moulded in any shape to be placed around the tooth in situations where the tooth is weak, chipped, cracked or even to protect your dental implant. There are many benefits to a dental crown, and the dentist is likely to recommend a dental crown where a tooth has been affected. Where you do not opt for a dental crown, such as to protect your tooth after a cavity or following root canal treatment, there is a risk that your tooth can be further damaged.
Where a dental crown is placed around a tooth, the dentist will advise you to be careful of the foods you eat. A crown usually takes 7 to 10 days to settle in the mouth. Therefore, certain foods need to be avoided until the crown is securely placed.
Do Not Eat These Foods…
- Chewing Gum – Chewing gum is useful when it comes freshening breath after eating. Although, chewing gum can become stuck on your crown. Gum also contains sugars that can damage your crown and expose your protected teeth. Chewing sugarless gum may only be beneficial for those with strong teeth. Click here to learn more.
- Hard Nuts – Although nuts contain the required nutrients to keep your oral health strong, they can become troublesome with a fitted dental crown, especially when your crown has just been fitted. If you do indulge in nuts, consume those that do not contain shell fragments such as pistachio nuts, and avoid those that are too crunchy such as almonds.
- Crunchy Vegetables – Just like nuts, crunchy vegetables can damage a crown. If you like your vegetables, consider consuming boiled vegetables. Anything raw and hard can damage the crown until its permanently settled.
- Sodas – Sodas contain sugar preservatives that are bad for teeth, including your crown. The high sugar content can damage your crown, the protected tooth and the underlying enamel. This can lead to cavities and potentially tooth decay.
- Chewy Foods – Chewy foods such as bread, steak, candy, toffee and even some chocolates should be avoided because excess chewing can place unnecessary pressure on your crown. Even when biting down on foods, avoid chewing the food against your crown.
- Popcorn – Popcorn is hard on your crown and teeth, and is likely to cause sensitivity. This is especially if you favour sugar and toffee popcorn. The sweet preservatives will also damage your teeth.
Concluding Thoughts…
Crowns can last for 10 to 15 years if looked after with strong oral hygiene, and your diet plays a vital role in this. In the days shortly after the fitting of your crown, consider eating on the other side of your mouth until the crown settles. The cement will harden and the crown eventually becomes firm in its place and only then should you chew normally on both sides. You should also floss around your crown, but take extra care to avoid dislodging the crown. Keep the area around your crown clean so your protected tooth remains in a healthy condition.
If you’re seeking dental crown treatment to protect a weak tooth, contact our Wahroonga team today for treatment. Click here to book yourself in with us.