How to look after tooth restorations
Written in association with:All dentistry, however well it is done, has a lifespan. Sadly nothing lasts forever and the mouth can be a harsh environment. The good news is that there are ways to look after your teeth following procedures such as fillings, crowns, veneers and bridges, as all of these involve natural teeth.
One of our top restorative and cosmetic dentists Dr David Bloom shares his expert tips on how to take care of your teeth following treatment to further prevent gum disease and to maximise living with a healthy smile.
What shall I do following dental work?
Initially, this would involve prevention and regular follow-up appointments with your dentist and hygienist. This is important to ensure adequate levels of oral hygiene (teeth cleaning) via tooth brushing and interdental cleaning ideally with interdental brushes. This will ensure healthy gums.
Are there certain foods to avoid with teeth that have just had dental work?
It is important to limit sugar intake as new decay will mean more dentistry is required. It also means that any existing dentistry will need replacing and it may mean loss of teeth.
Snacking is the biggest issue so I recommend that you limit any food intake to mealtimes and limit snacks or drinks other than milk or water. Some snacks can be considered healthier from your teeth's perspective, such as crisps and nuts but may contain high levels of salt.
Fruit is considered to be good for your general health but can also contain high levels of natural sugar. It is also important to be aware of any potential erosion from acid reflux or from foods. Healthier foods such as salads can be quite acidic thanks to the dressings.
What about certain types of drinks? How do they affect teeth?
Tea and coffee are generally fine unless sweetened with sugar as this will cause decay. Fruit teas, fizzy drinks and fruit juices can also be very acidic. All of these over time will quite literally dissolve your teeth away.
What about those who grind their teeth?
Finally, if you are a tooth grinder it may be necessary to wear a bite-splint to limit wearing down your own teeth or breaking your dental restorations.
What about dental implants or dentures?
For implants, the most important aspect is cleaning as it is possible to get gum disease around implants as well as teeth. The implants will not decay but can be lost if the supporting bone is lost.
For full dentures, it is important to remove these at night. If you wore shoes and socks 24/7 then you would expect to get a thrush infection and the same can happen with dentures.
The dentures should be cleaned with a toothbrush over a sink of water and then ideally left to soak overnight in any commercial denture cleaning solution.
Do not hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Bloom now for a consultation about any of your dental concerns.
