Updated in January of 2026
Most people are used to their dentist telling them to avoid sweet treats to protect their oral health, but the truth is that some sugary foods cause more harm than others. This is especially true if you have any dental restorations such as dental crowns or fillings.
All sugary foods put your oral health at risk because they feed the bacteria in your mouth that can cause tooth decay. But sweet treats that are sticky can be even more damaging. Not only does the sticky nature keep the sugar on your teeth longer, but the texture can put your restorations at risk for falling out.
For more information on taking care of dental crowns and other restorations, contact your Charlotte dentist Dr. Justin Harlow. Meanwhile, read on for more tips on preserving your restorations—and your oral health.
The Danger of the "Sticky Pull"
If you have a dental crown, eating food that is chewy or sticky can create enough force to pull at the margins of your crown. Even if it doesn’t pull the restoration out completely, it can break the cement seal, allowing bacteria to seep underneath and cause decay on the natural tooth structure.
Pro Tip: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), frequent snacking on sticky foods is one of the leading causes of dental restoration failure and localized decay (Source: MouthHealthy.org).
Foods to Avoid with Dental Crowns
If you have a dental crown, eating food that is chewy or sticky can pull at your crown. If it doesn’t pull out the crown completely, it can certainly impact the life of your restoration.
Here’s a list of foods you should forego to protect your crown:
- Gum
- Caramel
- Raisins
- Certain sticky candies, including taffy, gummies, Tootsie Rolls, Starburst, and so forth
You should also avoid hard foods because they can potentially break or crack your dental crown. These include:
- Raw vegetables such as carrots and celery
- Popcorn
- Hard candies
You should also avoid chewing on ice. (This is true even if you have no restorations!)
Caring for Your Dental Crown
When you first get your dental crown, try to avoid chewing on it for the first few days until it has the opportunity to “set.” When flossing the area around the crown, be sure to pull the floss through rather than up around it. As always brush regularly, and visit your dentist twice each year for checkups.
Dental Crowns in Charlotte, NC
If you feel a "tug" when eating, notice a gap between your crown and gum line, or have accidentally damaged a restoration, don't wait. Contact Charlotte dentist Dr. Justin Harlow today to ensure your smile stays secure and healthy!