What should you avoid eating after getting porcelain crowns? This is a common question for anyone who has recently had porcelain crowns placed. Your diet plays a crucial role in both the short-term recovery and long-term durability of your crowns. Certain foods can cause complications, such as damage to the crowns or irritation to the surrounding gums. Understanding what to avoid will help you protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your new smile.
What should you avoid eating after getting porcelain crowns?
After getting porcelain crowns, it’s essential to avoid certain foods to ensure that your crowns remain stable and last as long as possible. A balanced diet is important for maintaining the integrity of your porcelain crowns and preventing unnecessary complications. Here’s a detailed guide on what foods to steer clear of after the procedure: eating after getting porcelain crowns
1. Avoid foods that are too hot or cold
Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can cause issues with your porcelain crowns. Hot foods and beverages can weaken the bond between the crown and the tooth, while cold foods can heighten sensitivity. Over time, this sensitivity may become more pronounced, leading to discomfort and making the crowns more vulnerable to damage. It’s best to avoid very hot soups, tea, coffee, or cold treats like ice cream until your crowns have fully adjusted.
2. Stay away from hard foods

Hard foods pose a significant risk to porcelain crowns. Biting down on hard items like nuts, ice, or hard candies can cause your crowns to crack or chip. Even foods that might seem harmless, like raw vegetables, could potentially damage your crowns if they require excessive biting force. Opt for softer alternatives to protect your dental work from sudden fractures or chips, which could require costly repairs or replacements. eating after getting porcelain crowns
3. Limit sugary foods
Sugary foods such as cakes, candies, chocolates, and sweetened beverages are particularly harmful, not only for natural teeth but also for porcelain crowns. Sugar promotes the growth of bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and increasing the risk of cavities. Although porcelain crowns are resistant to decay, the natural tooth underneath is still susceptible. If bacteria accumulate around the edges of the crown, it can cause decay in the tooth beneath, leading to complications that may require further treatment. eating after getting porcelain crowns
See more: Is removing porcelain crowns painful? and 4 things to know
4. Avoid acidic foods
Foods that are high in acid, such as citrus fruits (lemons, limes, and grapefruits) or vinegar-based dressings, can wear down both porcelain crowns and natural enamel. The acid softens the tooth structure, making it more prone to erosion and sensitivity. Over time, frequent consumption of acidic foods may compromise the durability of your porcelain crowns and the health of the surrounding teeth. eating after getting porcelain crowns eating after getting porcelain crowns
5. Minimize consumption of foods and drinks that cause staining
Porcelain crowns are designed to resist staining, but they are not entirely immune to discoloration over time. Foods and drinks with strong pigments, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas, can cause discoloration of both your natural teeth and your porcelain crowns. Even though crowns are more stain-resistant than natural teeth, frequent exposure to these substances can dull their appearance. To maintain the bright, white look of your smile, it’s best to limit consumption of these items or take extra care to brush your teeth after consuming them.
6. Sticky and chewy foods
Sticky and chewy foods like caramel, taffy, and gum can put additional stress on your crowns, causing them to become loose or dislodged. These foods can also create spaces where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay around the crown margins. Avoiding these types of foods will help keep your crowns securely in place and reduce the likelihood of complications. eating after getting porcelain crowns
7. Alcohol and carbonated drinks
Alcoholic beverages, especially when consumed in excess, can lead to dry mouth, reducing the amount of saliva available to naturally cleanse the teeth and gums. A dry mouth increases the risk of decay around the crowns. Additionally, carbonated drinks contain acids that can erode tooth structure and weaken porcelain over time. Minimizing your intake of these beverages will contribute to the overall health of your crowns and teeth. eating after getting porcelain crowns
By carefully avoiding these foods, you can protect your porcelain crowns from premature damage and maintain the health of your natural teeth. Proper care, combined with regular dental checkups, will ensure that your crowns remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for many years to come.
Foods to eat after getting porcelain crowns
To ensure that your porcelain teeth become stronger and last longer, it’s crucial to follow a careful diet after the procedure. Immediately after having your porcelain crowns placed, your real teeth and gums may be sensitive, and it’s important to allow time for the crowns to settle properly. Waiting around 30 to 60 minutes before eating anything is recommended to prevent unnecessary strain on your teeth.
Once you’re ready to eat, here are some foods that can help promote the longevity and health of your porcelain crowns, while also supporting your overall dental health:
1. Start with soft, liquid foods

For the first few days after getting porcelain crowns, it’s best to stick to soft and liquid foods to avoid putting any pressure on your teeth. Foods like soups, broths, mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and oatmeal are gentle on your teeth and gums, minimizing the risk of damaging your crowns or irritating sensitive areas. eating after getting porcelain crowns
2. Incorporate soft fruits
Soft fruits, like bananas, strawberries, and applesauce, are excellent choices. These fruits not only provide essential vitamins and minerals but also offer a natural way to help clean your teeth. Strawberries, for example, contain malic acid, which can help remove surface stains on your teeth. If you want to enjoy fruits like apples, which can be hard, consider cutting them into small, manageable pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on your crowns.
3. Focus on calcium-rich and nutrient-dense foods
Foods rich in calcium and essential nutrients are vital for maintaining strong, healthy teeth and supporting your new porcelain crowns. Calcium strengthens both your real teeth and the structures around the crowns. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt are great sources of calcium, while lean meats, eggs, and fish provide proteins that are crucial for maintaining gum health.
Fatty fish, like salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation in the gums. Including plenty of green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli in your diet can also provide important nutrients, including calcium, folic acid, and vitamin K, which support gum health and bone strength. eating after getting porcelain crowns
See more: Choosing between dental fillings for tooth erosion or dental crowns
4. Increase vitamin C intake

Your natural teeth may feel a bit weakened after the placement of porcelain crowns, and strengthening your immune system is essential for overall dental health. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers, help support gum tissue and fight off infections. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that can help your gums heal and recover after the procedure. eating after getting porcelain crowns
Incorporating these vitamin-rich foods into your diet can promote the healing process and support the health of your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of complications down the road.
5. Hydrate with plenty of water
Staying well-hydrated is an often-overlooked but vital part of dental care, especially after getting porcelain crowns. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of infections or complications. Water also keeps your mouth moist, which is essential for saliva production. Saliva naturally cleans your teeth and prevents the buildup of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, even around your porcelain crowns.
Drinking water after meals can also help neutralize acids in your mouth, which may otherwise weaken your teeth over time. Regular hydration helps ensure a comfortable recovery and maintains oral hygiene. eating after getting porcelain crowns
Other notes after porcelain crowns
After knowing what to avoid after porcelain crowns, you also need to pay attention to some other issues after porcelain crowns, such as: eating after getting porcelain crowns
- How to brush your teeth properly, including twice a day, morning and night, and 30 minutes after each meal. Avoid brushing your teeth horizontally, but brush vertically from top to bottom, from inside to outside. eating after getting porcelain crowns
- You should brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush or use a water flosser to limit damage to your teeth, especially porcelain crowns. eating after getting porcelain crowns
- If you grind your teeth, wear a splint while sleeping or consult your doctor to improve this condition. eating after getting porcelain crowns
- Use dental floss and mouthwash to completely remove leftover food and bacteria in the mouth. Do not use toothpicks because your gums and tooth roots will be easily damaged.
- Limit the use of tobacco to the lowest possible level because it will cause porcelain teeth to become dull and yellow, causing loss of aesthetics.
- When eating and drinking, you should spread the chewing force evenly on both jaws so that the porcelain teeth do not have to bear too much impact
- You should have regular dental check-ups twice a year to detect any dental problems early, so that appropriate and timely treatment can be given.
- In particular, the doctor will check the hardness of the porcelain teeth, whether the porcelain teeth edge hug the gums, etc. to know whether the porcelain teeth can be used for a long time or not. eating after getting porcelain crowns eating after getting porcelain crowns
We have just addressed the common question: What should you avoid eating after getting porcelain crowns? At Bally, we take every measure to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is not only effective but also enhances your facial aesthetics. With our experienced team, modern equipment, and personalized care, you can trust that your braces experience will be smooth and successful. When you choose Bally, you’ll leave with a smile that you’re proud to show off, completely satisfied with the quality of service and the results we deliver.
See more: Can damaged crowns be replaced? and 4 things to know