What Should You Avoid After Getting a Dental Crown?

Got a Dental Crown? That’s a solid step toward a healthier smile. But what you do after getting your dental crown matters just as much. A few simple habits can make or break your crown’s success. Let’s dig into the aftercare tips that keep your new crown safe, strong, and trouble-free.

Understanding the Purpose of a Dental Crown

A dental crown isn’t just a pretty cover. It’s a strong, protective cap placed over a weak or damaged tooth. Think of it like a helmet. It guards what’s underneath so you can chew, smile, and speak without worry.

Crowns can help with:

• Restoring broken or worn-down teeth
• Supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Holding a dental bridge in place
• Covering dental implants or discolored teeth

If you’re looking for a dental office offering dental crowns near you, chances are you want a solution that not only looks natural but also holds up over time. Still, even the right crown won’t last without a little help from you.

Why Aftercare Matters

Aftercare isn’t optional. It’s necessary. The crown might be made of tough stuff—ceramic, porcelain, or metal—but your habits can still ruin it.

Here’s what happens when you ignore aftercare:

• Increased risk of the crown loosening or cracking
• Gum irritation or infection
• Trouble with your bite
• More costly fixes later

So, protecting your new crown starts the minute you leave the dental chair.

Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods

Sticky foods are sneaky. They can pull at your crown every time you chew. That includes things like:

• Caramel
• Chewing gum
• Taffy

For the most part, you can chew normally but very sticky foods may cause the cement bond holding the crown in place to break and the crown may come off.

Hard foods? Just as bad. Biting into a hard candy or a popcorn kernel can put too much pressure on your crown, especially if the crown is made of porcelain.  Zirconia crowns that we use most of the time these days are much stronger and less likely to fracture.

Try to skip these:

• Ice (we’ll get to that again in a bit)
• Nuts
• Hard crackers
• Raw carrots (unless they’re cut small)

Trust your local dentist or a dentist in New Westminster (if you are from that area) when they tell you—it’s not worth the risk.

Don’t Use only the Crowned Tooth for Heavy Biting

Just because the crown is strong doesn’t mean it should do all the work.

Protect the crowned tooth by:

• Splitting up tougher foods before chewing
• Using both sides of your mouth evenly
• Avoiding tearing food with your front teeth if the crown is placed there

Your tooth under the crown still has nerves. Too much pressure can hurt or even cause sensitivity.

Skip Chewing on Ice or Non-Food Items

Let’s not pretend we’ve never crunched ice after a drink. It feels satisfying, sure—but your crown won’t thank you for it.

Avoid chewing:

• Ice cubes
• Pen caps
• Fingernails
• Toothpicks

That quick crunch might not seem like a big deal, but it could crack or loosen your porcelain crown. To avoid unnecessary pain or expense, it’s right to get guidance from a dental clinic near you that understands your needs and can help keep your crown secure.

Avoid Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Teeth grinding (bruxism) often happens when you’re asleep. But clenching while stressed? That’s common during the day.

If you grind or clench:

• Talk to your dentist about a night guard
• Be mindful during work or high-stress moments.
• Do breathing exercises to relax your jaw.

If you notice discomfort or something doesn’t feel right with your crown, don’t wait—reach out to a dentist near you for a quick checkup, a possible adjustment and peace of mind.

Be Cautious with Hot or Cold Beverages

Sensitivity can linger for a few days after getting a crown. Extreme temperatures can make your tooth throb. That hot coffee or icy soda might trigger discomfort.

To stay safe:

• Sip slowly
• Avoid back-to-back hot and cold drinks.
• Use a straw to direct liquid away from the crowned tooth.

After a week or two, your mouth will likely adjust. If your sensitivity persists, check with your dentist.  But during the first stretch, be kind to your tooth.

Don’t Skip Oral Hygiene or Checkups

A crown can’t get cavities, but the tooth underneath can. Gum issues? Still a risk. That’s why brushing, flossing, and checkups matter just as much after the crown goes in.

Stick with:

• Brushing twice daily (use a soft-bristle brush)
• Flossing gently around the crown
• Using a fluoride rinse is recommended.

And don’t forget to keep your appointments at Asante Dental Centre where they offer services like dental crown in New Westminster. That crown needs to be monitored to catch any early signs of wear or irritation.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Something feels off. Don’t wait.

Call your dentist if:

• You feel pressure or pain when biting
• The crown feels loose.
• There’s bleeding or swelling near the crown.
• You experience a bad taste or smell in the area.

Waiting too long can turn a small fix into a big problem. Catching issues early keeps things easy and flexible.

Final Thoughts

A dental crown protects your smile, but it needs your help to do its job well. Make smart choices, avoid common mistakes, and give your crown the care it deserves. Ready for professional support? Schedule your follow-up or consultation with us today—we’re here to help you protect your crown and your confidence.