What to Avoid After Getting Dental Crowns: Expert Tips

Getting dental crowns is a reliable way to protect and restore your teeth. Crowns work like a shield, covering damaged or weakened teeth to help you chew, smile, and live more comfortably. But after your dental visit, it’s crucial to treat them right. From foods to skip to habits you might not think twice about, these tips help you make the most of your crowns.

Foods to Avoid

When you first get a crown, some foods are better left off your plate. Why? Certain foods can chip, loosen, or even damage the crown entirely, especially if it’s new and hasn’t settled in yet.

• Hard Foods: Think nuts, hard candies, ice cubes, and raw vegetables. These can put stress on your crown and cause it to crack or wear faster.
• Sticky Foods: Caramel, gum, and sticky candies can pull on the crown, especially those that aren’t permanently cemented yet, risking dislodgement.
• Extra Crunchy Snacks: Popcorn kernels and tough chips are culprits that might sneak their way into sensitive areas or dislodge the crown.

Crowns can also make teeth more sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it’s a good idea to avoid very hot or icy-cold foods right after placement. As time goes on, that sensitivity should lessen, but keeping an eye on what you eat can go a long way toward preserving your crown and protecting your teeth.

Chewing Habits to Watch Out For

We all have habits we might not even think about—like chewing on a pen cap or biting our nails. But with a crown, it’s time to rethink those!

Chewing on hard or tough objects, like ice, pens, or even your nails, places a lot of pressure on your crown. Over time, this pressure can wear down the material or even cause cracks.

Tips for Mindful Chewing:

• Try to avoid chewing on the same side as the crown, especially right after placement.
• Be mindful during meals and avoid absent-mindedly chewing on anything that’s not food.
• If you tend to bite your nails or pens when stressed, consider substitutes, like squeezing a stress ball instead.

Protecting your crowns with better chewing habits helps you avoid unnecessary repairs and keeps your smile in top shape.

Oral Hygiene Mistakes

Oral hygiene can be tricky when you’re new to dental crowns. You want to clean your teeth well, but there are some techniques and products that can do more harm than good.

Helpful Tips for Brushing and Flossing with a Crown:

• Use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Crowns, especially if they’re made from delicate materials like porcelain teeth, can lose their polish if scrubbed with harsh toothpaste.
• Brush gently with a soft bristle brush to avoid wearing down the crown or gum tissue.
• Flossing is important but can be tricky with a crown. If you’re unsure, ask your dentist in Columbia for tips on flossing around your crown to keep your gums healthy.

Be careful with mouthwash, too. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can weaken the cement holding your crown in place. Consider using a milder, alcohol-free rinse, or simply rinse with warm water.

Avoid Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth clenching and grinding can be a big problem when it comes to preserving your crowns. Known as bruxism, this habit often happens at night when we’re asleep and unaware of it. Grinding your teeth exerts pressure on the crown, which can lead to early wear, cracks, or even loosening over time.

If you know you grind your teeth, consider speaking to your dentist about a CEREC crown or a custom night guard. This device acts as a cushion, taking on the pressure from grinding rather than your crown. Reducing stress can also help manage grinding. A quick wind-down routine before bed can make a difference, helping you relax your jaw and sleep peacefully.

Habits to Avoid During the Healing Period

After getting a crown, there’s a healing phase when the surrounding gum tissue adjusts. During this time, certain habits could interfere with the healing process or irritate your gums.

Avoid touching or poking the crown with your fingers. While it might be tempting to check on the crown, this habit can introduce bacteria to the area, leading to irritation or even infection. Instead, let it settle naturally.

Other Habits to Skip:

• Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking can delay healing in the gum tissue, and alcohol may affect the bond of your crown if consumed too soon after placement.
• Over-Testing the Crown: Try not to keep checking your crown by wiggling it with your tongue or chewing on that side; this can interfere with its stability.

Remember, your body needs time to heal, so taking it easy for the first few days can make a huge difference in your crown’s long-term success.

Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups

Even with excellent care at home, regular checkups are essential for keeping your crown in top condition. These visits give your dentist a chance to inspect your crown, make sure it’s still properly seated, and address any early signs of damage.

When you check in regularly, any issues—like discomfort, looseness, or sensitivity—can be caught early. Don’t wait until you’re in pain to call your dentist; catching a problem before it gets worse can prevent extensive repairs or replacements.

Routine dental checkups are more than a chance to clean your teeth; they’re a time to ensure your investment in your smile lasts.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dental crowns isn’t difficult, but it does take a little extra awareness. Avoiding certain foods, being mindful of habits, and practicing careful hygiene can make all the difference. Remember, crowns are built to last, and with the right care, they’ll help you maintain a strong, beautiful smile for years.

Caring for Your Crown Starts Here – Book a Consultation for a Dental Crown Near You!

If you have any questions about your crown or are due for a checkup, don’t hesitate to reach out! At Model Dental Clinic, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and strong. Book an appointment today and give your crowns the care they deserve.