Dental crowns are long-lasting and secure dental restoration solutions. However, they wear out over time and will eventually need to be replaced. Lifestyle habits, oral hygiene, and diet can be determining factors in the longevity of dental crowns. That is why it is important to know what foods and drinks to avoid after dental crowns.
What Are Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration coming in the form of a cap that covers a damaged tooth. Dental crowns can be used to:
- Protect or hold together a weakened tooth
- To restore a broken or worn-out tooth
- To support a tooth with a large filling
- To be the last step in dental implant treatment
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Depending on the material, lifestyle, dietary, and oral hygiene habits, your crowns are made from, they can last on average for 5 to 15 years. Crowns can be made out of metal, porcelain, ceramics, resin composite, etc. The most long-lasting materials are metal, porcelain fused to metal, and zirconium dioxide.
Why Are There Diet Restrictions with Dental Crowns?
Nowadays, dental crowns are made of rather durable materials. However, they are not invincible and will wear out with time. Constant pressure applied to your dental crowns by chewing food adds to the strain. Certain foods and drinks wear out the material of dental crowns more than the others. The less such foods and beverages you consume, the longer your crowns will last.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be permanent or temporary. Temporary dental crowns are the ones placed on your teeth only for some time before the permanent crowns are prepared. Later they are replaced with more secure permanent crowns. The dietary restrictions might vary slightly depending on if you have a permanent or a temporary dental crown.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Dental Crowns
Foods to Avoid with Temporary Dental Crowns
Sticky and chewy foods can easily dislodge your temporary dental crown, leaving the tooth underneath it unprotected. Such foods include: chewing gum, caramel candies, taffy, ets.
Hard foods (ice, raw hard vegetables, and fruits, hard candies, popcorn seeds, and crackers) can also dislodge or damage your temporary dental crown.
In general, it is a good idea to chew your food on the other side of your mouth from that where you have your temporary dental crown.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Permanent Dental Crowns
Similarly to when you have temporary crowns, try to avoid:
- Hard and crunchy foods that can damage or wear out dental crowns faster
- Sticky and chewy foods that can pull your crown out
Also try to abstain from:
- Foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar as they increase plaque buildup and bacteria growth, putting your teeth and gum health in danger
- Acidic foods and beverages (lemonades, sodas, energy drinks), as they over time corrode the enamel of your natural teeth and the dental crown material
Other Tips to Make Your Dental Crowns Last
Apart from avoiding the foods we listed above, increase the longevity of your dental crowns by following these tips:
- First and foremost, maintain good oral hygiene by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Do not allow bacteria to linger in your mouth, causing gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth decay and periodontal disease can make dental crowns fail.
- Do not use abrasive toothpastes and toothbrushes that can damage the surface of your dental crowns.
- Do not use your teeth as tools to avoid physically damaging or dislodging your dental crowns.
- Tobacco products are the number one cause of teeth staining and discoloration. So, abstain from smoking to preserve the color of your dental crowns.
- Try not to clench or grind your teeth. It can be hard to get rid of such habits, so consult your doctor if necessary.
- They might recommend solutions that are proven to work in such situations. Also, if you have sleep apnea, it can contribute to teeth clenching and grinding and decrease general oral health. Now, there are effective solutions available for treating issues associated with sleep apnea; do not leave it untreated.
- If you have temporary dental crowns, be careful while flossing and brushing so as not to accidentally pull the crown off.
Make an Appointment Today
If you have any questions about dietary restrictions with dental crowns remaining or want to check the condition of your crowns, make an appointment with a Riverside dentist at our office today. Highly qualified doctors at Tropic Dental are looking forward to welcoming you to the office.
