Know What Foods to Avoid with a Temporary Crown

If you’re among the many American adults missing one or more teeth, your overall health and quality of life will likely be affected. A dental crown can significantly enhance oral health and boost confidence as you await a permanent crown or dental implant.

If your dentist has scheduled you for a crown or bridge, you will likely need a temporary crown placed on your tooth before the permanent one is installed.

Knowing what foods to avoid with a temporary crown and what you can eat can make your journey to a brighter and better smile much easier.

What are Temporary Crowns?

A temporary crown is a tooth-shaped cap attached to your natural tooth to protect it while you wait for your permanent crown to be created and fitted. These crowns are typically made from metal or plastic materials (such as acrylic-based plastic or stainless steel). They are not designed for long-term use, so they don’t have significant economic value.

During the interim period, a temporary crown will safeguard your tooth and enable you to eat normally. However, temporary crowns require extra care because they are more delicate than permanent ones.

What Foods to Avoid with a Temporary Crown

Extremely Hot or Cold Foods

While very hot or cold foods might not directly damage your temporary crown, they can cause discomfort. It’s common to experience increased tooth sensitivity around the crown, and extreme temperatures can worsen this sensitivity.

Examples of foods to avoid include:

Ice cream
Soup
Coffee
Iced cold drinks

Sugary Foods

Although your diet might not need to be adjusted once your permanent dental restoration is in place, avoiding sugary foods while you have a temporary crown is important. Sugar can get trapped between the crown and the underlying tooth, making removing it difficult. If left there, it can lead to tooth decay and other complications.

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods should also be avoided with a temporary crown. The sticky residue can cling to the crown and potentially dislodge it when you try to remove it. If the temporary crown falls out, it poses a severe risk to the tooth underneath. Avoid items like gum, jelly candies, and taffy during this period.

Very Hard/Crunchy Foods

Hard and crunchy foods can damage a temporary crown by chipping or cracking it, as they are not as robust as permanent crowns. Steer clear of hard candies, nuts, carrots, chips, popcorn, raw vegetables, and similar foods to avoid potential damage to your temporary crown.

Chewy Foods

Chewy foods like bagels, pizza crust, and tough meats can be problematic when you have a temporary crown. The excessive force required to chew these foods can loosen or disturb the crown’s fit, leading to discomfort and potential damage.

The stress from chewing chewy foods may also compromise the temporary crown’s stability, increasing its risk of dislodging. To ensure the crown remains secure and functional, it’s best to put chewy foods on the list of “What foods to avoid with a temporary crown.”

What Foods to Eat with a Temporary Crown

Soft foods and drinks are good for maintaining nutrition after getting a temporary crown. Safe options of what foods to eat with a temporary crown include:

Smoothies
Pasta
Soft fruits like bananas
Cooked vegetables
Soups and stews
Boneless fish and chicken
Pudding and Jell-O

However, if you enjoy shakes or smoothies, opt for those not too cold to prevent increased sensitivity.

Tips for Eating with a Temporary Crown

Since a temporary crown is not designed for long-term use, it’s made from less durable materials and is held in place with a different adhesive than a permanent crown. It’s wise to be cautious during the brief period you’re waiting for your permanent crown.

Choose softer foods that require less chewing pressure.
Avoid sticky or hard items that could dislodge the crown.
Cut your food into smaller pieces to make chewing easier, and try to avoid chewing on the side with the temporary crown.
Eat slowly and gently.
Stay hydrated with room-temperature drinks.
Be cautious about the temperature of the foods and beverages you consume.

Additional Ways to Care for Your Temporary Crowns

Although your temporary crown will only be in place for a short time, it is more fragile than the permanent one, so proper care is essential. The temporary crown safeguards your tooth or implant site and helps you maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile and eat comfortably.

Typically, you’ll have your temporary crown for one or two weeks, and it’s essential to handle it with care:

Brush and floss gently to avoid loosening the crown.
Chew softly to prevent damage.
Steer clear of tough, hard, sticky, and crunchy foods.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks to prevent decay around the crown and gumline.
Avoid very hot or cold foods, as extreme temperatures can affect the dental cement.
When flossing, use a gentle in-and-out sliding motion rather than an up-and-down approach.
Do not miss your scheduled appointment with the dentist.

Conclusion

You don’t have to adhere to a rigid diet when it comes to what foods to avoid with a temporary crown. However, choosing appropriate foods and maintaining a regular home care routine is crucial for keeping your tooth healthy. Brush gently around the temporary crown, but avoid flossing directly next to it.

Dental restorations, such as temporary crowns, may require some sacrifices during the treatment process, but replacing missing teeth is the most effective way to enhance your oral and overall health in the short and long term.

For additional details about temporary crowns, contact Prime Family Dentistry in Stone Ridge, VA. today to schedule an appointment.

FAQs

What types of foods should I avoid with a temporary crown?

You should avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy foods, which can dislodge or damage the temporary crown. This includes items like caramel, nuts, and hard candies. Also, avoid very hot or cold foods that might cause discomfort.

What food can I eat while wearing a temporary crown?

It’s best to avoid brushing the crowned tooth immediately to prevent disrupting the setting process of the cement.