A healthier smile is something to celebrate—but knowing what comes next can feel a little uncertain. Soft, easy-to-chew foods are the best choice after your child gets dental crowns, especially in the first few days.
If your little one just had crowns placed at London Little Bites Dentistry, you’re probably wondering how to keep them comfortable and avoid damaging their new dental work. We’ll break it down for you—what to serve, what to skip, and how to make recovery smooth and stress-free (with a few fun food ideas, too!).
What Are Dental Crowns for Kids
Before we sink our teeth into food choices, let’s quickly cover what a crown is and why they’re placed on children’s teeth.
A dental crown is like a superhero cape for a broken or decayed tooth. It protects and strengthens what’s underneath, helping preserve your child’s oral health. Whether it’s due to cavities or injuries, crowns are a fantastic tool, especially for children who are still growing.
At London Little Bites Dentistry, we specialize in these procedures, helping your child get the best care possible while helping them feel comfortable every step of the way.
Why Diet Matters After Crowns
With crowns, your child’s mouth needs a little extra TLC. The wrong foods could loosen or damage the crown, irritate sore areas, or make their recovery longer than necessary. That’s why post-crown meal planning is super important.
The good news? Your child doesn’t need to give up all their favorite foods. It’s all about knowing what to avoid and what to serve.
The Crown-Friendly Diet
Here’s a breakdown of recommended foods your child can (and should) eat after getting their crowns.
Soft & Gentle Foods
Soft foods are your best friend during the initial recovery period. They’re often easy on the teeth and gums while still being filling and comforting.
- Mashed potatoes – extra buttery for the win!
- Yogurt – probiotic and creamy
- Scrambled eggs – protein-packed and soft
- Smooth soups – like tomato, pumpkin, or chicken noodle
- Applesauce – flavorful and kid-approved!
- Bananas – a natural sweet treat
- Pancakes – a soft breakfast favorite, bonus points on Pancake Tuesday!
- Soft bread or rolls – avoid crusty ends, but the inside is perfect
These foods help avoid putting too much pressure on their new crowns while offering important nutrients to support healing.
Chilled & Cool Snacks
If your child’s mouth feels sore, cool foods might provide some relief.
- Smoothies – blend fruits with some Greek yogurt for extra nutrition (avoid straws if any extractions were performed)
- Pudding or Jell-O
- Popsicles and Freezies – bonus points for sugar-free options!
Try to avoid giving your child anything too cold, like ice cubes, as it might be uncomfortable or trigger sensitivity.
Hydrating Drinks
Staying hydrated is a must for oral health. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks, as they can weaken their enamel over time.
- Water (always the best choice!)
- Cool herbal teas (chamomile is gentle on the tummy).
If your child enjoys milk, that’s a win, too! Just keep it plain and skip the sugary chocolate or strawberry flavoured milks.
Nutritious & Chewy-Free Alternatives
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, but you can still pack in nutrients with these alternatives:
- Rice or pasta – soft options like risotto or mac & cheese)
- Soft scrambled eggs – easy, filling, and usually kid-approved!)
- Oatmeal – warm, soft, & easy to flavour with fruit or cinnamon but avoid added sugar
- Well-cooked vegetables – carrots, peas, and zucchini
Soft, simple, and fun meals for the win!
Foods to Avoid After Crowns
Knowing what’s off the menu is as important as knowing what’s on it. Here are some culprits to keep away from your child’s healing teeth:
- Sticky foods like caramel, chewing gum, toffee, or chewy cookies (They can yank on those crowns!)
- Hard snacks such as popcorn, nuts, or hard cookies and candies (They can chip or crack a crown).
- Crunchy foods like apples, carrots, or chips (unless softened or mashed).
- Sugary treats that stick to the crowns and invite cavities.
- Hot or very cold foods that may cause sensitivity.
By skipping these foods in the short term, you help protect your child’s crowns and promote quicker healing.
Tips for Post-Crown Success
Beyond food, here are some bonus tips to keep your child’s dental health on point after getting crowns:
- Encourage good brushing habits: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. For the first few days, it’s best if parents help with brushing, or do it for them, to ensure the area around the crowned tooth is cleaned gently and thoroughly.
- Follow a mealtime routine: Try to avoid constant snacking, as frequent exposure to food can wear down crowns.
- Listen to their feedback: Be on the lookout for any complaints about discomfort. It’s normal for them to feel a little tender the first few days, but prolonged discomfort may require checking in with us.
- Make meals fun! Use colourful bowls, or cut their food into fun shapes to make mealtimes enjoyable.
If you’re unsure about anything, be sure to reach out to London Little Bites Dentistry, where we’re always happy to help keep your child’s smile as bright as it can be.
When to Check Back in With Dr. Lee
Post-crown recovery might feel like a learning curve, but you’re not doing this alone. Our team at London Little Bites Dentistry is here to guide you every step of the way—from tips on dietary choices to personalized care for your child’s growing smile. Interested in learning more about your child’s dental health? Book your next appointment with Dr. Lee today and take the first step toward keeping the crowns (and smiles) shining bright.