Getting a dental crown is a fantastic solution for restoring a damaged, broken, or weakened tooth. Whether its for functional reasons or cosmetic enhancement, a crown protects your tooth while restoring your bite and your smile. However, after a crown fittingwhether its temporary or permanentits crucial to follow the right chewing precautions to ensure your crown lasts and your mouth heals properly.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we believe that educating our patients on post-treatment care leads to better outcomes and longer-lasting dental work. This guide explains what to do (and avoid) when chewing after crown placement.
Why Chewing Carefully After a Crown Fitting Matters
A dental crown is designed to be strong and durable. However, right after placement, your tooth and surrounding tissues may still be adjusting. Improper chewing or eating habits can cause:
Discomfort or pain
Loosening of the temporary or permanent crown
Damage to the crown material
Irritation of gums around the crowned tooth
Biting imbalance, especially if adjustments are still needed
Immediate Chewing Precautions After Crown Placement
1. Wait Until Numbness Wears Off
If local anesthesia was used during your crown fitting, wait until the numbness completely wears off before eating. Eating while numb could lead to accidental biting of your tongue, cheeks, or lips.
2. Avoid Using the Crowned Tooth for Chewing (Initially)
For the first 24 hours after getting a permanent crown, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. This gives the cement time to fully set and the crown to bond securely.
Foods to Avoid After Crown Placement
To protect both temporary and permanent crowns, avoid:
Sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel, and taffy that can pull the crown loose
Hard foods such as nuts, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and ice that can crack or chip the crown
Crunchy foods like raw vegetables, crusty bread, or hard chips
Very hot or very cold foods, especially if youre experiencing temporary sensitivity
Tough meats that require excessive chewing and strain on the crown
Safe Foods to Eat After a Dental Crown
Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days:
Mashed potatoes
Yogurt
Scrambled eggs
Soft pasta or rice
Steamed vegetables
Smoothies (without seeds)
Soup (lukewarm, not hot)
Soft fruits like bananas or ripe peaches
Chewing Tips for Long-Term Crown Care
Once your permanent crown is fully set and adjusted, chewing should feel natural. Still, adopting smart habits helps extend the life of your crown:
1. Chew Evenly
Try to distribute chewing evenly between both sides of your mouth. This helps prevent overloading the crowned tooth.
2. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Never use your teeth to open packaging, crack nuts, or bite into extremely hard objects.
3. Watch for Grinding (Bruxism)
If you grind or clench your teeth, consider a custom nightguard. Grinding can significantly damage crowns and natural teeth.
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Floss gently around the crownespecially at the gumlineusing a side-to-side motion rather than snapping the floss down to avoid dislodging the crown.
What to Expect in the Days Following Crown Placement
Its normal to experience:
Mild gum tenderness around the crowned tooth
Minor sensitivity to temperature (hot or cold)
Slight pressure or bite adjustment sensations
These usually resolve within a few days. If discomfort persists, the crown may need a minor adjustment to improve your bite alignment.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
Reach out to us immediately if you notice:
Pain that worsens over time
A bite that feels uneven days after placement
The crown feeling loose or completely falling off
Persistent sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure
Chips or cracks in the crown
Prompt action allows us to correct the issue before it leads to further damage.
How Long Will Your Crown Last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Regular dental check-ups at McLevin Dental help ensure your crown remains secure, functional, and beautiful for years to come.
Trust McLevin Dental for Long-Lasting, Beautiful Smiles
Post-treatment care after crown placement is just as important as the procedure itself. By following proper chewing precautions, avoiding risky foods, and practicing good oral hygiene, youre protecting your investment and your oral health.
If you have questions about your crown, experience discomfort, or need a check-up, the friendly team at McLevin Dental in Scarborough is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your smile stays strong, functional, and confident.