It’s not just about the physical rules, it’s about suddenly having this “weak spot” you’re scared to mess up.
Yeah, that "weak spot" feeling is so real. I was convinced I’d bite into a bagel and the crown would just pop off like a Lego piece. Honestly, my trick was to treat it like braces round two—tiny bites, chew slow, and avoid anything that sounds crunchy in commercials. The mental side is wild though... nobody warns you that you’ll start analyzing toast like it’s a threat.
nobody warns you that you’ll start analyzing toast like it’s a threat.
This is exactly what happened with my kid after her crown—suddenly every snack was a “danger food.” We made a little game out of it: she’d tap things with a spoon to see if they were “crown safe.” Honestly, the slow chewing and tiny bites helped her confidence a ton. It’s wild how much of it is mental, not just physical. I do wish dentists talked more about that side.
we made a little game out of it: she’d tap things with a spoon to see if they were “crown safe.”
That’s genius, honestly. Wish I’d thought of that instead of just glaring suspiciously at every bagel like it was plotting against me. You’re right about the mental part—after my first crown, I swear I chewed everything like a squirrel for weeks. Did your daughter eventually get back to “normal” eating or is toast still under investigation?
I swear I chewed everything like a squirrel for weeks.
Same here. I was convinced every sandwich was a potential crown thief. Even now, I sometimes eye an apple like it’s some kind of dental trap. It’s wild how much of it is mental—my dentist kept telling me to “chew normally,” but my brain just wouldn’t buy it. If your daughter made peace with toast, she’s braver than me. Still not sure I trust granola...
I get what you mean about apples—mine sat in the fridge for weeks after I got my first crown. Every time I looked at one, I’d picture it yanking my shiny new tooth right out. Honestly, for a while, I was cutting everything into tiny pieces like I was prepping food for a toddler. My dentist kept saying, “It’s not glass, just eat,” but my jaw had trust issues.
Tried granola once and regretted it. Felt like chewing gravel. Now, if I want something crunchy, I let it soak in milk until it’s basically mush—glamorous, right? Toast is still on my “maybe” list, but only if it’s barely crisp.
Funny thing is, after a year or so, I stopped thinking about it as much. Still, if someone brings out caramel or taffy, you better believe I’m suddenly very interested in the fruit platter instead. Old habits die hard...
