I Had Cosmetic Dental Treatments. Do I Need to Avoid Certain Foods or Drinks?

You just had a cosmetic dental treatment and are in love with your new smile. Your teeth never looked so white and healthy, and you would like to maintain this look for as long as possible. 

While you know that good oral hygiene can help keep your teeth clean and healthy, you may also wonder if there are certain foods or drinks that you should avoid. 

The short answer is: it depends on the type of treatment you received. 

Here's what you need to know. 
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Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Different Cosmetic Treatments 

Teeth Whitening

If you just had teeth whitening treatment, you should avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth for at least the first 48 hours after treatment. These include:

• Dark-colored beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda
• Dark-colored fruits, such as berries and cherries
• Foods with strong dyes, such as curry, turmeric, and artificially colored candies

It is also important to avoid using tobacco products, as they can cause staining and discoloration. If you do have staining foods or beverages, it is a good idea to brush your teeth after consuming them.

Veneers

If you have veneers, it is essential to avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods, as they can damage the veneers. These foods include:

• Hard candies
• Nuts and seeds
• Sticky or gummy candies, such as taffy or caramel
• Raw vegetables that require a lot of biting force, such as raw carrots or apples

You should also avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles. If you have a habit of biting down on pencils or pens, you should stop doing that, as you can damage your veneers.

Invisalign

If you are wearing Invisalign aligners, you should avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain or damage the aligners, such as:

• Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine
• Artificially colored foods
• Sticky foods
• Foods that can get stuck in the aligners, such as popcorn or chewy bread

Don't forget to remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This way, you will prevent staining or damaging the aligners.

Crowns and Bridges

Similarly to veneers, you should avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods when you have a dental crown or bridge. These foods are more likely to chip and damage your prosthetic, so caution is needed when consuming them. 

In addition to avoiding or limiting the consumption of these foods and beverages, you should also maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth two times a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and seeing your dentist every six months. 
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Interested in Cosmetic Dentistry? Find Out How We Can Help! 

At Coronado Family Dental, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services. Whether it's veneers, teeth whitening, or Invisalign, we can help transform your smile. 

Contact us now to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.