Dental crowns and bridges are among the cosmetic dentistry solutions that restore weak, broken, or missing teeth to create uniform, beautiful smiles. If you were recently outfitted with these dental restorations, you’ll need to make some diet changes to maintain your oral health. Most of the following foods should be avoided or consumed in moderation, even if you don’t have crowns and bridges.

4 Foods to Eliminate From Your Diet If You Have Dental Crowns or Bridges

1. Sticky Foods

Dried fruit, gum, and certain candies such as taffy and caramel get stuck to dental restorations and can pull them out. Since these foods are typically high in sugar, they should be avoided to prevent tooth decay. Even if sticky foods do not dislodge your crowns and bridges, they can loosen them and cause damage later.

2. Sugary Foods

Sticky foods are only some of the fare high in sugar. Chocolate, cookies, cake, and other sweet treats work with mouth bacteria to form acids and plaque, which can attach to remaining enamel under your crowns and promote decay. Simple carbohydrates such as white bread also turn to sugar in the mouth and cause decay. If you eat food with a high sugar content, make sure to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth within 30 minutes after consumption.

3. Hard Foods

Tough foods such as hard bread, hard cheese, steak, and raw vegetables can damage dental crowns and bridges. They can fracture the restorations or cause them to break off, resulting in cosmetic dentistry emergencies. Stay away from anything too hard or crunchy, and consume well-cooked vegetables and meats to prevent problems with your restorations.

4. Excessively Cold Or Hot Foods

Hot and cold foods can cause sensitivity issues if there’s space between your crowns and bridges. Opt for lukewarm helpings to lessen the discomfort. If the pain continues, talk to your dentist to determine if there’s a more serious issue. 

If you experience trouble with your crowns and bridges or require other cosmetic dentistry services, contact Kennedy Dental Group in Anchorage, AK. Offering general, family, and cosmetic dentistry to patients throughout the area for over 40 years, this practice remains committed to promoting healthy, beautiful smiles. Call (907) 277-5684 today to make an appointment or visit the dentists online for more information.