If you have sustained any kind of damage to a tooth, one of your treatment options may be a dental crown. These restorative appliances protect your tooth from further damage and prevent bacteria from causing decay.
One of the challenges of dental crowns, however, is that you may not be able to eat certain foods. Doing so could damage the crown and put your dental health in jeopardy. Learn more about what these restorative appliances are and about the foods to avoid with dental crowns.
¿Qué son las coronas dentales?
Dental crowns are restorations that fit over a damaged tooth. They can restore cracked, broken, or worn-down teeth, as well as those that may be weaker as a result of cavities. Dental crowns can also be useful after receiving a root canal. If you get a tooth implant, a dental crown will function as your natural tooth.
Dental crowns can be crafted out of numerous materials. Porcelain is the option that offers the best aesthetic results, while metal alloys tend to provide the strongest options.
When you get a dental crown, the restoration is put in place by first removing some of your natural enamel and preparing the tooth’s surface for bonding. The restoration will be secured over the damaged tooth with dental cement.
It’s essential to know about the foods that could break or dislodge the crown so that you don’t end up with more damage.
Foods to Avoid With Dental Crowns
If you have a dental crown, there are a few types of food you should be careful with or avoid entirely, regardless of whether it is a temporary crown or permanent crown.
Hard or Crunchy Food
You’ll likely need to avoid hard or crunchy foods. Everything from chewing ice to eating nuts can put a significant strain on the crown because of the amount of jaw force you need to employ. This could cause chips and cracks in the dental crown.
Foods with Extreme Temperatures
More foods to avoid with dental crowns include very hot or very cold foods. The crown won’t typically be affected by these temperature changes, but you may feel discomfort. Remember that your dentist has had to remove some of your tooth’s enamel. This makes it much more sensitive to temperature changes.
Alimentos pegajosos o masticables
It’s also essential to avoid sticky and chewy foods. Stay away from caramel, gum, taffy, and other similar snacks. Certain cuts of meat could be problematic, as well, because they’re very chewy and could dislodge the crown.
Food That Can Get Stuck Between Your Teeth
It may also be a good idea to stay away from foods with seeds that could get stuck between your teeth. These could scrape against the restoration, damaging it, or could lodge where you can’t access it. This could attract bacteria and put your oral health at risk.
An Additional Tip
Although not food items, avoid chewing the ends of pens, plastic, or open packages with your teeth. This is detrimental to your natural teeth but can also be catastrophic for your dental crowns.
Food Options to Choose After Getting a Dental Crown
In the immediate days after getting a dental crown, choosing the right food options protects you from needing emergency repairs. During those first couple of days, choose foods such as:
- Harina de avena
- Yogur
- Smoothies
- Soup
- Huevos
- Tender proteins
- Soft fruits and vegetables
- Mashed foods
These options give your oral structures time to heal while still offering the nutrients you need.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown
Coronas dentales can last a significant amount of time if you take proper care of them. Just like your natural teeth, there are oral hygiene steps you need to focus on.
Brush your teeth and dental crown twice a day and floss, too. Avoid very abrasive brushes and use the right toothpaste for the job. If you’re not sure what this is, your dentist can help. Not maintaining your daily hygiene can allow plaque to build up, damaging nearby teeth and impacting your gums.
Don’t bite your nails or chew on plastic or other similar items. This puts a lot of stress on the crown and the underlying tooth structure.
You should schedule regular appointments with your dentist. They will be able to spot any issues with your crowns before they get worse and give you pointers on how to take care of the restorations.
Schedule a Visit With an Experienced Dentist
If you have sustained damage to a tooth, you may need a crown. Relying on experienced dentists can help you get the exact treatments you need.
Dr. Brett Langston offers reliable and comprehensive dental services to assist you in protecting your oral health. If you have a damaged tooth, it’s time to get help. Póngase en contacto con nosotros para concertar una cita.
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