5 Foods to Avoid After Getting a Crown

Getting a dental crown is a common procedure, and one that we often perform at Fremaux Dental Care to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. The procedure involves shaping the remaining healthy part of the tooth and fitting a custom crown that matches your natural teeth perfectly.

Whether you get a crown due to a cavity or fracture or after a root canal or dental implant, taking care of it is essential to ensure its longevity. One of the most important aspects of crown care is being mindful of what you eat, because certain foods can loosen, damage, or even pull off your crown, leading to discomfort and an unexpected trip back to the dentist.

To protect your new crown and maintain a healthy smile, here are five types of food you should avoid:

1. Sticky or chewy foods

Sticky and chewy foods, such as taffy, gummy candies, caramel, and chewing gum, could spell disaster for your new crown. These foods can pull at the crown, loosening its bond with your tooth or even dislodging it completely.

If we’ve recently fitted your crown, it’s especially vulnerable, as the cement securing it needs time to fully set. To avoid a dental mishap, steer clear of anything that sticks to your teeth and requires excessive chewing.

2. Hard foods

Biting down on hard foods can put unnecessary pressure on your crown, potentially cracking or chipping it. Foods like hard candies, ice cubes, popcorn kernels, nuts, and even hard bread crusts can cause damage.

Your natural teeth might be able to handle these, but a crown — especially a temporary one — is more fragile. If you do eat something crunchy, try cutting it into smaller pieces and chewing with your natural teeth instead.

3. Sugary and acidic foods

While your dental crown won’t develop cavities, the tooth underneath is still susceptible to decay.

Sugary and acidic foods, like soda, citrus fruits, and candy, can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of decay along the gumline or under the crown. Additionally, acidic foods can weaken the cement holding your crown in place over time.

4. Tough meats

Steak, jerky, and other tough meats require a lot of chewing that can put stress on a new crown. If you eat meat, choose softer cuts or slow-cooked options that don’t require as much effort to chew. Also, cutting your meat into small, manageable pieces can help minimize the strain on your dental work.

5. Extremely hot or cold foods and drinks

Temperature sensitivity is common after getting a crown, especially if you’ve had a root canal or the underlying tooth is still adjusting.

Extremely hot foods, like soup, coffee, or tea, and very cold foods, like ice cream or chilled beverages, can trigger dentin hypersensitivity and discomfort. Try to consume lukewarm foods and drinks until your mouth adapts to the new crown.

Tips for eating safely after a crown

Follow our handy tips to reduce the risk of problems with your crown.

Stick to soft foods

After getting a crown, opt for soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and soups (not too hot) for the first few days.

Chew on the opposite side

If possible, try chewing on the side of your mouth without the new crown to avoid unnecessary pressure.

Maintain good oral hygiene

Brush gently around the crowned tooth and floss carefully to prevent plaque buildup. Make sure you attend regular checkups with us.

Avoid excessive grinding or clenching

If you grind your teeth at night, talk to us about getting a mouthguard to protect your crown and natural teeth.

Taking care of your dental crown starts with making smart food choices. Avoiding sticky, hard, sugary, tough, and extreme-temperature foods helps to ensure that your crown lasts for years without any issues.

By being cautious with what you eat, you’ll protect your dental work and enjoy a healthy smile for a long time. If you experience discomfort or notice your crown feeling loose, don’t wait — call the Fremaux Dental Care office or use the form on our Contact Us page to get in touch.