If you have a dental crown, you should know what to eating and drinking with a dental crown in order to keep your smile bright and white. There are several dentists in Tampa, but North Pointe Dental Associates of North Tampa is known for having some of the best dentists who frequently offer advice to their patients about foods to avoid if you have a dental crown.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its original shape or improve its appearance. A dental crown can also be placed over an implant, which replaces a natural tooth. Dental crowns are made of heavy-duty porcelain and while they are designed to look and feel natural there are precautions you can take to prolong their longevity. For example, there are certain eating and drinking with a dental crown that dentists at North Pointe Dental Associates advise their patients skip to enjoy the benefits of dental crowns and to ensure a long-lasting smile.
Avoid chewy foods.
This one might sound obvious, but it is important. Dental crowns are placed on top of your tooth and help by a bonding material. While this material is long-lasting, the bond can be broken. Chewy foods such as caramel, gum, and licorice can act like glue and continually pull on the dental crown until it becomes loose or comes off entirely. So, if you want to skip an emergency visit to your dentist, avoid chewy foods – especially if you have temporary dental crowns.
Avoid nuts and popcorn.
Many people find it difficult to watch a movie without eating popcorn. But if you have a dental crown, it is best to avoid popcorn altogether, as well as other hard snacks like nuts and chips. The best Tampa dentists use strong materials for dental crowns, but the crowns can still be damaged by chewing crunchy foods that require a lot of force to break down. Make sure you are not chewing ice or biting on hard objects such as pens and bottle caps.
Minimize sugary sweets.
Every North Tampa dentist will advise you to avoid sugary sweets, whether you have dental crowns or not. Sugar attracts bacteria, which in turn will lead to decay. Dental crowns are made of porcelain, which means they do not decay like natural teeth. Still, bacteria built up around the dental crown and your gum line can work their way beneath the crown and cause decay. If this happens, you will need to have the cap removed so your dentist can fix the decaying tooth beneath the crown and restore your oral health.
Drink tea, coffee, and red wine in moderation.
Tea, coffee, and red wine are known for being the enemy of a bright smile because they can quickly stain your teeth. Crowns are made of porcelain, which is difficult to stain but not completely stain resistant. Occasionally drinking these beverages is fine, but try to consume dark-colored beverages and foods in moderation to avoid staining your dental crowns.
If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Tampa FL, or you just have a question about taking care of your dental crown, the staff at North Pointe Dental Associates can help. North Pointe Dental Associates offers high-quality Tampa cosmetic dentistry and is home to some of the best Tampa dentists. Call (813) 961-1727 to schedule an appointment today.
