Have you recently decided to fix your flawed smile with porcelain veneers? While this procedure will revitalize your cracked or stained smile, there are some rules for their care that you should know about. Veneers are durable and stain-resistant but there are certain foods that can damage your new smile. In this post, your dentist outlines which foods you can and can’t eat with porcelain veneers in Dallas, GA.
Which Foods Should I Avoid?
In the first days following your procedure, you need to be careful with your new porcelain veneers. It’s recommended to eat softer foods until you adjust. Hard foods such as nuts, whole apples and tough candies should be avoided. If necessary, use your back teeth to chew any hard substances instead.
After recovering, still avoid the following foods and drinks to prevent your veneers from staining or cracking.
- Dark liquids like coffee, tea, sodas and red wine
- Foods known to stain like berries, beets and soy sauce
- Hard food and candies like raw carrots and toffee
- Meat on the bone
- Highly acidic foods such as lemons or tomatoes
- Frequent alcohol consumption (it can weaken the bonding)
If you do consume anything listed above, wash your mouth with water and brush your teeth afterwards.
What Else Should I Avoid?
To avoid staining, don’t smoke or chew tobacco with your new veneers. You should also never use your teeth as a tool to open bottles or packages. Don’t bite hard non-food objects like pencils, nails, toothpicks or ice. Habitually chewing in the same spot can also wear down your veneers.
How Do I Care for My Veneers?
To protect your porcelain veneers, include the following steps into your daily oral hygiene routine:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, avoiding toothpastes with sodium bicarbonate and baking soda
- Floss your teeth and use alcohol-free mouthwash daily
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports and/or if you grind your teeth at night
- Visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings
- If necessary, ask your dentist about getting your veneers polished
Porcelain veneers are an investment into your smile and can last up to 7 to 15 years with proper care. Consult your cosmetic dentist in Dallas, GA, if you’re not sure if you can consume something with your new veneers.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Shirley has over 15 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Georgia Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you have further questions about caring for your porcelain veneers, he can be reached through his website or at 770-445-6606.
