A dental crown is not just a repair for a damaged or broken tooth; it is an investment in your smile. Did you know that snacking on your favourite bag of chips could be jeopardizing your investment? It is important to understand how your diet affects your dental crown, whether you are thinking about dental crowns in Vancouver or already have one.
Chips seem harmless. They are crunchy, salty, and get rid of your cravings in a few seconds. However, if you have a permanent dental crown, those crunchy munchies might be causing you more harm than good. Let’s look at how chips might affect your crown and what you can do to protect your smile.
Now, at this point, whether you are considering treatment options like crowns or implants, it is always good practice to reach out to a prosthodontist in Vancouver who will be able to give you proper care and choices.
What Is a Permanent Dental Crown?
Basically, a dental crown is a protective cap that covers a damaged tooth. Dentists are able to put a crown on a tooth that is cracked, a tooth that was weakened due to a large cavity, or any tooth that has a root canal. A permanent crown is intended to last for several years and will match your natural teeth.
Crowns are typically made from strong materials like porcelain, ceramic, and metal. While these are strong materials, they are not indestructible. Just like your natural teeth, they need the right care in order to maintain their state. If you’re looking for dental crowns near you, be sure to ask how different crown materials respond to coping with hard foods such as chips.
The Crunchy Facts About Chips
Let’s talk about chips. Chips can be any chip: potato chips, tortilla chips, kettle cooked chips. These chips all contain a similar characteristic; they are hard and crunchy. This hard and crunchy characteristic is what causes a problem for crowns.
Here’s how:
Chipping and Cracking Risks
Crunchy chips create sudden pressure on the crown. If you happen to bite down on that chip the wrong way, over time, chips can have small cracks. Your crown is a strong material, but repeated or sustained pressure can shift or cause a small internal fracture. If you are at all concerned about witnessing any stress on your crown, looking for a prosthodontist near you could help find out the condition of your crown or where your crown is under stress.
Food Getting Stuck
Chips often break into small, sharp pieces that often wedge around or under the crown, especially if there is a slight gap. This can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, or even gum irritation around the crowned tooth.
Promotes Tooth Decay Under the Crown
Even though the crown protects the tooth above the gumline, the root and surrounding gum are still vulnerable. Chips are starchy, and starch turns into sugar, which feeds bacteria. If bits of chips stay trapped near the base of your crown, bacteria can build up and cause decay underneath it. Patients who also have dental implants in Vancouver should be especially mindful of these kinds of snacks.
Encourages Bad Chewing Habits
People often chew chips on one side of their mouth. If that side has a crown, the uneven pressure over time can loosen the cement that holds the crown in place.
What Happens If Your Crown Gets Damaged?
If a crown gets chipped or cracked, you might not feel it right away. But over time, you could experience:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Pain when biting down
- A loose crown
- Gum swelling or infection
Once damage sets in, you’ll likely need a replacement crown or further dental treatment. That means more appointments and more expenses.
How to Enjoy Snacks Without Worry
Good news—you don’t have to give up snacks completely! But being careful about how and what you eat is key.
Here are some quick tips:
- Chew carefully and slowly, especially with crunchy foods.
- Switch up your snacks—try softer options like cheese slices, yogurt, or fresh fruit.
- Use both sides of your mouth when chewing, so your crown doesn’t get all the pressure.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating chips to clear away leftover starch and crumbs.
- Brush and floss regularly, especially around your crown, to keep your gums and underlying tooth healthy.
Keep Your Crown in Great Shape!
A permanent crown is meant to last 10 to 15 years—but only if you treat it well. That includes making smart food choices, avoiding bad habits like chewing ice or biting fingernails, and seeing your dentist regularly.
If you ever feel pain or notice your crown feels “off,” don’t ignore it. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it is to fix.
ByDesign Implant Dentistry is committed to providing top-tier dental care, specializing in creating beautiful, lasting smiles with the help of advanced treatments like dental crowns and implants. Our experienced team of professionals ensures that every patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a routine check-up or need a more complex procedure, we are here to help you achieve optimal oral health with comfort and confidence.