Memory
can i chew gum with a permanent crown
Hi Dr. James, I recently got a permanent dental crown. I have a habit of chewing gum and I was wondering, can I still do this with my new dental crown?
While I'm a psychiatrist and not a dentist by primary profession, I can tell you that generally dentists recommend waiting for at least 24 hours after the crown is placed to chew gum. This gives the cement holding the crown in place enough time to fully harden.
I see, thanks. Is there any specific type of gum I should avoid?
While I encourage you to consult with a dentist for specific dental advice, it's generally good to avoid sugar-loaded gum since it promotes cavity formation. Also, if the gum is excessively sticky, this could pull on the crown or even dislodge it depending on the gum's strength.
That makes sense. What would happen if the crown gets dislodged?
If a crown gets dislodged, it could expose the tooth underneath to bacteria, leading to potential tooth decay and infection. It would surely cause discomfort and would require another dental procedure to fix. So, to minimize these risks, take care of your crown the same way as you would your natural teeth.
Remember: Everything Talkie says is made up!