If you’ve recently had cosmetic dentistry treatment, such as veneers, dental bonding, or teeth whitening, you may be wondering how to keep your smile healthy and bright. There are a few different foods and drinks you may want to avoid or limit to maintain your oral health and your newly-restored smile. Learn more from Rio Vista Family Dentistry below.
1. Popcorn Kernels, Almonds & Other Extremely Hard Foods
You don’t need to stop eating hard foods like nuts altogether, of course. But you should avoid chewing them with your front teeth if you have veneers or dental bonding. Over time, this could result in chipping and premature wear & tear to your dental prostheses. Chew hard foods with your rear molars to protect your teeth and your dental work.
2. Gummy, Sticky & Hard Candies
Pretty much all candy is bad for your smile, but gummy candies like gummi bears, sticky candies like taffy, and hard candies are the worst. Gummy candies and sticky candies get stuck around your teeth, and can pull on your veneers or bonded teeth, leading to premature loosening.
Hard candies, similar to other hard foods, can also crack or damage your dental work or natural teeth if you bite into them instead of sucking on them. Sucking on them over time is also not good for you, since it exposes your mouth to a lot of sugar.
3. Coffee, Tea, Wine & Cola
You should try to limit your consumption of these beverages after your teeth are whitened, since they can stain your smile. But if you can’t do without a morning cup of coffee or a nightly glass of wine, consider drinking them through a straw. This minimizes contact with your teeth and reduces the chances of staining.
4. Acidic Fruit Juices
Orange juice and other fruit juices are high in sugar and acid and weaken your teeth, particularly if you indulge in them regularly without brushing your teeth afterward. Depending on the juice, they may also stain your teeth.
5. Blueberries, Blackberries & Raspberries
These berries are great for you, and can be enjoyed in moderation. However, they are high in staining compounds (tannins), and regular consumption could stain your teeth. To avoid this, we recommend rinsing your mouth or brushing after you consume any kind of berry that could stain your teeth.
6. Tomato Sauces & Curries
Tomato sauces and curries are acidic and can also cause stains. Again, you don’t have to eliminate dishes containing these sauces from your diet, but we recommend rinsing or brushing afterward to keep your smile bright and reduce acid levels.
7. Ice
Never chew ice with your front teeth or your rear teeth. Ice is extremely hard and can crack or damage your dental work or your natural teeth. If you have an ice-chewing habit, we highly recommend doing everything you can to break the habit, or else you might break your teeth, instead!
Avoid These Foods And Drinks For A Healthy & Bright Smile
If you can avoid these foods and drinks or reduce your intake of them, your smile is sure to thank you. Your newly-brightened teeth will look great for years to come, and you can know you’re protecting your oral health, too.
Interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry in San Diego? Contact Rio Vista Family Dentistry online or give us a call at (619) 299-1122 for an appointment with one of our doctors, and explore your options for restoring your smile.
