There’s no greater confidence-booster than having a beautiful smile! If you’ve had a cosmetic dental procedure, we want to make sure you can enjoy your new smile for as long as possible. To make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth after your treatment, check out these eight important aftercare facts.
1. It may take you some time to adjust to your new teeth.
After cosmetic dental procedures, you may need some time to adjust to your new smile. Whether the thickness of your teeth is different or your bite has been altered, your brain may need some time to adapt to these changes. This discomfort should only last a week or so. However, if you still have any discomfort after this period of time, be sure to contact TruBlu Dentistry to schedule a follow-up visit.
2. It is important to brush and floss daily.
To ensure your new teeth stay in great shape for a long period of time, you must be diligent about your oral hygiene routine. Be sure to brush your teeth twice per day and after meals, and you should also floss at least once per day. Remember, though, that you do not need to brush too hard to remove plaque from the surface of your teeth—in fact, plaque is soft and quite easy to remove. By brushing regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush, your new smile should remain in great condition.
3. Soreness of the gums is completely normal.
If you experience any soreness after your cosmetic procedure, don’t worry! This is a completely normal part of the healing process. We recommend that you try a warm salt water rinse three times per day to help with any painful symptoms. You can also use over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
4. You might experience sensitivity.
For the first few days, many patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold. This is completely normal after the structure of your teeth has been altered, and these symptoms should go away in a matter of days. In the meantime, try sticking to room-temperature foods that will not irritate your sensitive teeth.
5. Your speech may be affected.
As you adjust to your new teeth and bite, you may have difficulty speaking. This adjustment period may last a few days, but you can expect that your speech will return to normal soon enough.
6. Increased saliva production is to be expected.
A natural reaction to the alteration of your teeth size and bite is an increased amount of saliva. Do not be alarmed. This symptom is temporary and should subside after about a week.
7. You will want to avoid certain foods.
There are certain foods that we recommend you avoid as you adjust to your new teeth. For starters, you will want to avoid hard foods and objects—such as ice, hard candies, and even the end of your pencil— that could potentially damage or chip your teeth. You’ll also want to avoid foods that are known to stain teeth, as they can ruin the quality of your cosmetic treatment. Be sure to skip foods and beverages like coffee, tea, curry, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, and wine. By doing so, you can keep your new smile looking beautiful for longer!
8. If needed, get a mouthguard!
We know that your hobbies don’t end when you receive a cosmetic dental procedure. However, you must take the necessary steps to protect your new smile. If you play sports (particularly contact sports), speak to your dentist at TruBlu Dentistry about getting a mouthguard.
Do you have any questions about aftercare? Would you like to schedule a cosmetic procedure? Contact TruBlu Dentistry today!