what can you eat after getting a crown

3 min read 22-12-2024

Meta Description: Worried about what to eat after getting a dental crown? This comprehensive guide details the foods to enjoy and avoid, offering a week-by-week plan for a smooth recovery. Learn about soft foods, liquids, and when you can safely return to your regular diet! Discover tips for protecting your new crown and ensuring long-lasting results.

Understanding Your Post-Crown Diet

Getting a dental crown is a significant procedure, restoring a damaged or decayed tooth. The healing process requires careful attention to your diet. Immediately after the procedure, your mouth will be numb, so it's essential to stick to soft foods. As the numbness wears off and your mouth heals, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods. This guide outlines the best foods to eat after getting a crown, week by week.

The First 24 Hours: Soft Foods Only

The first day is crucial for healing. Your mouth will likely be sensitive and the area around the crown may feel sore. Focus on consuming very soft foods that won't put pressure on your new crown.

Foods to Eat:

Smoothies: Blend fruits, vegetables, and yogurt for a nutritious and easy-to-consume meal.
Applesauce: A classic choice for its smooth texture and sweetness.
Yogurt: Choose plain or flavored yogurt, avoiding chunky varieties.
Oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal is gentle on the gums.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are easy to swallow and digest.
Scrambled eggs: Ensure they're well-cooked and soft.
Soups (broth-based): Choose soups with finely chopped or pureed vegetables. Avoid soups with hard chunks or noodles.

Foods to Avoid:

Anything crunchy: This includes chips, nuts, hard candies, and popcorn. These could dislodge or damage your new crown.
Anything chewy: Tough meats, bagels, and sticky candies are all off-limits for now.
Hard bread: Avoid crusty bread, crackers, and anything that requires significant chewing.
Extremely hot or cold foods: These can cause discomfort and sensitivity around the crown.

Week 1: Gradually Increasing Texture

As the first week progresses, you can start to introduce slightly more textured foods. However, it's still important to avoid anything too hard or chewy.

Foods to add:

Soft cooked vegetables: Steamed carrots, peas, or green beans are good choices.
Well-cooked pasta: Avoid pasta with hard sauces or toppings.
Soft meats: Ground meat, chicken, or fish that's easily mashed with a fork.
Scrambled tofu: A vegetarian alternative to eggs.
Soft fruits: Ripe bananas, peaches, or berries (avoid seeds).

Week 2 and Beyond: Returning to Normal

By the second week, you should be able to resume a more normal diet. However, it's a good idea to still be mindful of what you eat, particularly when it comes to hard foods. Some dentists suggest maintaining a diet of softer foods and avoiding extremely hard things long-term to ensure the longest life for your crown.

Foods to reintroduce gradually:

Slightly harder fruits and vegetables: Apples (without the skin), cooked carrots, and pears.
Regular meats: Chew thoroughly to avoid putting excessive force on the crown.
Most breads: Avoid extremely hard crusts.
Regular pasta dishes: Be mindful of large pieces of food.

Foods to Avoid Long-Term

Even after your mouth has fully healed, there are certain foods that should be avoided to protect your crown:

Hard candies and nuts: These can chip or crack your crown.
Ice: Avoid chewing on ice, which can damage the crown.
Sticky or chewy foods: Taffy, caramels, and gummy candies can cause damage.

Protecting Your Crown: Long-Term Care

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of your crown. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as visiting your dentist for regular checkups.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can I bite into an apple after getting a crown?

A: It depends on how long it's been. During the first few weeks, avoid biting into whole apples. As your mouth heals, you can try small, soft pieces of apple, but always avoid biting down with excessive force.

Q: What if I accidentally bite into something hard and it hurts?

A: Contact your dentist immediately. A cracked crown needs attention right away.

Q: How long does it take to fully heal after getting a crown?

A: Most patients experience full healing within a few weeks, but it is wise to maintain soft foods in your diet for up to a month.

Conclusion:

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in the success of your dental crown. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery and the long-term health of your new crown. Remember to always consult your dentist if you have any concerns or experience any discomfort. Choosing the right foods after getting a crown is vital for a positive outcome.