If you’ve recently had cosmetic dentistry treatment in Roswell, GA, you may be wondering how to keep your smile looking its best. One of the best ways to avoid stains and damage to your new dental work is to watch what you eat. In this blog from the office of Dr. TJ O’Shea, we’ll discuss what foods and drinks you should avoid after your cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Food To Avoid After Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment
Overall, you don’t have to change your diet too much after treatment. But to keep your teeth bright and protect your dental work, there are a few foods you’ll want to avoid:
- Curry and tomato sauce – Some types of heavily spiced curry and tomato sauce can stain your teeth over time. Tomato sauces also tend to be acidic, which can lead to a higher risk of cavities.
- Extremely hard and crunchy foods – You shouldn’t chew really hard foods like popcorn kernels or chew on ice. Eating really hard and crunchy foods can damage dental work like veneers or dental bonding, and could even damage your natural teeth.
- Gummy and sticky foods – We recommend avoiding things like gummy candy, taffy, licorice, and other really sticky and gummy foods. Over time, these can damage dental work such as veneers, and cause them to fail prematurely.
- Non-food objects – This should go without saying. But you should also avoid chewing on non-food objects. Don’t chew on your fingernails or on pens and pencils, and never use your teeth to do things like open packages, rip tape, or open bottles.
Drinks To Avoid After Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment
Along with the above foods, there are also some drinks that you’ll want to cut back on if you want to prolong your results and enjoy your new grin for as long as possible:
- Coffee and tea – Coffee and tea are some of the most common causes of tooth stains. Cutting back on these beverages or drinking them with a straw can help you keep your smile bright after cosmetic dentistry treatment.
- Wine – Wine is also chock-full of compounds that can stain your teeth. Consider cutting back on your wine consumption, or switching from red wine to white wine, which is less likely to leave behind stains.
- Fruit juice – Some types of fruit juice can stain your teeth, especially juice containing dark fruits like blackberries or blueberries. Most types of fruit juice are also very high in sugar and are acidic, which can contribute to staining.
- Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks – The artificial colors used in energy drinks, soda, and sports drinks like Gatorade can also stain your teeth. They also tend to be quite high in sugar, which promotes tooth decay and can make your teeth more susceptible to stains.
Indulge In Moderation – And You’ll Keep Your Smile Looking Bright!
We don’t expect you to cut out all of the above foods and drinks completely. But by enjoying them in moderation, rinsing or brushing after each meal, and using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash at home, you’ll keep your smile looking great for years to come.
And don't forget to come to our office of Dr. TJ O’Shea for a consultation every six months. Routine teeth cleanings help keep your smile bright, and during your oral exam, Dr. TJ O’Shea can check on your cosmetic treatments and your oral health, and make sure everything looks perfect. Contact us today to book your next checkup, or to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. O’Shea and take the first steps toward your dream smile.
