When you have a dental crown or bridge, it’s important to take extra care of your oral health. These restorative treatments can greatly improve the function and appearance of your teeth, but they require special attention when it comes to your diet. Certain foods can damage or loosen your dental crown or bridge, leading to potential complications and additional dental work.
At Parsons Smile Center, we’re committed to helping you maintain your oral health and extend the longevity of your dental restorations. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of foods to avoid when you have a dental crown or bridge. If you have questions or concerns about a crown or bridge, contact us, and we’ll be more than happy to guide you through the proper care techniques.
Why It’s Important to Avoid Certain Foods with Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are designed to restore both the appearance and functionality of your teeth. They act as a support system, filling in gaps and protecting damaged teeth from further harm. However, these restorations are not invincible. They require mindful care, especially when it comes to your diet.
Consuming the wrong types of foods can lead to a variety of problems for those with dental crowns and bridges. Hard or crunchy foods can cause cracks or chips in the restorative materials, while sticky or chewy foods can tug at these appliances, potentially loosening them.
This not only compromises the integrity of the crown or bridge but can also create spaces where bacteria can thrive, leading to decay and infection in the remaining tooth structure beneath the restoration. To ensure the longevity of your dental work and maintain your oral health, it’s crucial to avoid the following foods:
Hard or Crunchy Foods
Hard or crunchy food has the potential to cause chips or even fractures in the material of your dental crown or bridge. A damaged restoration not only jeopardizes the appearance of your smile but can also necessitate costly repairs or replacements. To protect your investment in your oral health, it’s wise to steer clear of the following food:
- Ice: Chewing on ice can exert excessive force on crowns and bridges, leading to cracks.
- Hard candies: Besides being a risk for tooth decay, hard candies require significant force to break, which can damage your dental work.
- Nuts: While nutritious, nuts are hard and can put undue pressure on crowns and bridges, risking damage.
- Popcorn kernels: It’s easy to accidentally bite down on unpopped kernels, which can cause immediate harm to dental restorations.
- Raw vegetables: Certain raw veggies, such as carrots or celery, can be hard and may require caution. Cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces can help reduce the risk.
Being mindful of these hard foods and modifying how you consume them can play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of your dental crown or bridge.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky and chewy food can be particularly troublesome, as they have a tendency to cling to and pull at your restorations, which could lead to them becoming loose or even detaching from your teeth. The adhesion of sticky foods can also encourage the accumulation of bacteria around the restoration site, potentially leading to decay in the adjacent tooth structure.
To help preserve the condition of your dental work, it’s advisable to limit or avoid the following sticky and chewy foods:
- Caramel and toffee: These sweets can stick to and pull on crowns and bridges, risking detachment.
- Gummy candies: Similar to caramel, gummy candies adhere to dental work and can tug on restorations.
- Chewy breads: Foods like bagels and some types of bread can require significant chewing effort, which might pull on or dislodge your dental crown or bridge.
- Dried fruits: Although a healthier option, dried fruits are sticky and can cling to dental restorations, posing a risk of pulling them loose.
- Chewing gum: It can stick to and pull on dental restorations, potentially loosening them.
Use caution when consuming these types of foods to help maintain the stability and longevity of your dental crown or bridge.
Other Foods to Avoid
In addition to hard and sticky foods, it’s also important to be mindful of crunchy, sugary, and acidic foods. Crunchy snacks like potato chips can get lodged between the crown or bridge and your natural teeth, potentially leading to decay or discomfort.
Sugary foods and beverages should be limited as well, as sugar can contribute to tooth decay beneath the restoration. Acidic items, like citrus fruits and sodas, can erode dental materials over time, weakening the bond between your natural tooth and the restoration.
Protect Your Dental Crowns and Bridges with Our Expert Care
At Parsons Smile Center, we prioritize your oral health and the longevity of your dental restorations. Our experienced team is here to provide personalized advice and care for maintaining your crowns and bridges. By avoiding certain foods and following our guidelines, you can prevent damage and ensure your dental work remains intact for years to come.
Trust in our commitment to exceptional dental care. If you’re not sure we take your insurance, please contact us. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us at (212) 223-5100 or visit our contact form.
