Dental Crown Aftercare: Safe & Nutritious Food for Kids

A dental crown surgery is an investment in your child’s future, and so is taking care of their new smile. In addition to regular dental checkups, diet significantly influences the crown’s longevity and health. The temptation to treat children to sweet treats is understandable, especially after a potentially stressful appointment with the dentist.

However, it’s far more essential to eat nutritious food that will help preserve their new dental work and teeth. Suppose you’re seeking guidance on pediatric dental care. In that case, whether you’re a newcomer or need a refresher, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will walk you through a selection of the finest meals that prioritize safety and provide optimal nutrition.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits over a tooth for aesthetic or restorative reasons. They can fix a tooth’s size, shape, and strength. For instance, if decay has caused your child’s teeth to be heavily filled or if the tooth has been damaged, a crown can restore the tooth’s structure and strength. Protecting a tooth after root canal therapy is another common purpose for dental crowns. Dental crowns can also improve the look of your kid’s smile by hiding flaws like misaligned teeth or extreme discoloration, even for purely cosmetic reasons.

How Long After Crown Placement Can Your Child Eat Normal Food?

How soon a kid may resume regular eating habits after getting a dental crown relies heavily on the crown material, the method of implantation, and the dentist’s instructions. To ensure the crown sets correctly and minimize discomfort, patients are often advised to eat soft food for the first 24 to 48 hours following the treatment. Avoid overeating tough, sticky, or chewy food now. Once the kid has adjusted to the new routine, the parent can begin reintroducing the child’s usual food. However, checking in with the child’s dentist is always important to get precise advice based on the child’s unique circumstances.

Soft Food to Eat with Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are a short-term fix for protecting a tooth prepped for a permanent crown. Extra precautions must be taken to prevent these crowns from coming loose or fracturing since they are not as sturdy or solidly glued as permanent ones. If your kid has temporary crowns, these are the types of food they should eat:

Smoothies and Shakes

The dentistry community recommends smoothies following the procedure. Smoothies can be substituted with shakes if your kid prefers them. Contrarily, the therapeutic elements found in smoothies can’t be found in all shakes.

However, you shouldn’t give your child excessively cold food and drinks. Therefore, a smoothie is the most suitable alternative.

Mashed Potato

Since mashed potatoes are pliable and soft, they won’t strain the temporary crown. Your youngster won’t be able to eat a lot. Therefore they are helpful because they fill them up.

Eggs

They are gentle on the gums and simple to chew, protecting the crown from damage. Scrambled eggs are a good option, but you can also boil them.

Soups

Just because your child needs to eat softer food doesn’t mean they must eat bland food. Soup is a versatile and nourishing option that offers a comforting texture and delivers essential nutrients, all while ensuring the protection of your kid’s temporary crown.

Best Food to Eat After Getting a Crown

After getting dental crowns, you should be mindful of the choice of food you’ll serve to your kid to avoid discomfort or potential damage to the crowns. Here are some types of food to consider:

Soft Carbs

When it comes to dinnertime, you can consider a variety of delicious options. The possibilities are endless, from classic pasta dishes to comforting rice bowls, indulgent mac and cheese, and creamy mashed potatoes. When aiming for a quick recovery, opting for soft and mild-flavored food options is advisable.

Ice Cream or Gelato

Cold treats effectively alleviate pain and reduce inflammation after dental crown placement. However, it is essential to exercise caution when selecting flavors that contain hard chunks.

Fish

When it comes to ensuring your child receives an adequate source of protein, incorporating fish into their diet can be a highly beneficial choice. Fish is widely known for its tender and easily chewable texture, mainly when cooked to a flaky consistency. This makes it a favorable choice after their dental crown placement.

Food to Avoid After Getting a Crown

If your kid recently had a dental crown set, there are several food you should avoid serving; otherwise, they risk damaging the crown or making their mouth even more sensitive. Below are some examples:

Sticky Food

These can become stuck on the crown and even knock it loose if the cement hasn’t fully set. Some examples are caramel and sticky candies.

Crunchy Food

These require significant force to break down and can potentially damage the crown. Such food are chips, raw vegetables, and hard crusty bread.

Hot Food

Increased sensitivity to hot and cold is possible immediately after having a crown placed on a tooth. So conditions of extreme heat and cold can be unpleasant. Some examples are icy beverages and boiling soup.

How to Care for Crowns to Ensure Longevity

Although dental crowns are strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, they still need regular maintenance and proper care to protect the health of the tooth underneath and the tissues around it. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, encourage your child to follow their regular oral hygiene practice. It’s a good idea to use fluoride-containing dental products as well. The exposed root of a tooth near the crown’s margin might benefit from fluoride’s protective properties. You should also schedule frequent visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings (at least once every six months). By doing so, the dentist can keep tabs on the health of the patient’s crown and gums.

Learn More About What Food to Eat After Getting Dental Crown at Junior Smiles of Stafford

Navigating the world of safe and nutritious foods for your child after they receive a dental crown can be challenging but is crucial for the longevity of the dental work. Understanding what to feed your child can make all the difference in not just their immediate comfort but also in long-term oral health. For personalized advice and exceptional dental care, trust Junior Smiles of Stafford, your go-to crown dentist for kids. Our dedicated team specializes in pediatric dentistry and is committed to helping your child maintain a healthy smile for life. Book your next appointment with us to get expert guidance on dental crown aftercare and more.