Opting for veneers to achieve a perfect set of teeth and smile has become a common occurrence. Veneers are not perfect, and require proper maintenance in order to last longer. One important factor that can determine the longevity of your veneers, is what you eat and drink. This article will discuss five foods you want to avoid in order to protect your veneers.
Five Foods to Avoid After Getting Dental Veneers
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Though veneers are very well made, they are not indestructible, with proper force and pressure, chipping, cracking, or even dislodging could take place. Hard and crunchy food is a big threat to veneers, because of the pressure and grinding it takes through chewing to be able to break them down. This pressure continuously weakens the bond between the veneer and the tooth.
Foods like nuts may seem innocent, but their hardness causes immense pressure on veneers. Hard candies are also enemy number one, mainly if you crunch them.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky and chewy foods attach themselves to the veneer surface, and upon pulling creates tension in an attempt to dislodge it. Veneers when done by a reputable dental clinic, such as Dorking Dental Centre, are attached to the tooth surfaces with a very strong adhesive. This adhesive can be weakened when it constantly comes into contact with a sticky material.
So, no more treats like caramels and taffies, which are sticky in nature, and can affect your veneers. Chewing gum does the same thing, it is not necessarily a food, but is sticky, and so goes into the list of things to avoid after getting veneers.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic food and drinks erode the enamel on your natural teeth. This erosion can lead to the destruction of the front surface of your veneers. Although veneers are more resistant to stains and discolouration, they are still not completely acid-proof. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are very acidic and can affect your veneers.
Staining Foods and Drinks
Some foods and beverages are known for their propensity to stain teeth and veneers, among the worst are coffee and tea. Having dark pigments, beverages like coffee will seep into the surface of the veneers with, in time begin to wear it down. If you have to drink these, try as much as possible to use a straw and afterward, have a good wash with water in your mouth.
Ice and Very Cold Foods
Some people develop increased tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. With this sensitivity, it may be uncomfortable when very cold foods or drinks are consumed. The cold temperature can cause discomfort, and in extreme cases, weaken the bond between the veneer and the tooth. Chewing on ice cubes can cause the veneer to crack or chip due to the ice’s extreme cold and hardness.
Final Thoughts
While dental veneers are an investment to your smile, proper care will keep them looking and working to their fullest potential. Cutting back on hard, sticky, acidic, staining, and very cold foods can minimize the risk of damage to the veneers. This, coupled with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, will keep veneers going for many years.
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