Preparing for a cosmetic dental procedure can be both exciting and scary. You’re looking forward to your healthy, gorgeous new smile, but you may be wondering what foods are okay to eat before and following your procedure. At West Gate Dental in Lincoln, NE, we are proud to offer a wide range of treatment and services, and we make sure our patients are well prepared for what to expect, including what foods you should be avoiding before and after your procedure.
Food to Avoid Before
Before your procedure, there are some foods you’ll want to avoid. Your cosmetic dentist will of course give you more specific instructions leading up to your appointment, so make sure you follow what they outline for you.
Spicy Foods
Even if you love them, spicy foods can often be rough on the stomach - something you want to avoid before having a dental procedure. By skipping spicy options, you may be saving yourself an upset stomach later.
Heavy Meals
For similar reasons as spicy foods, avoid eating a large or heavy meal before your procedure since it can lead to nausea, especially if anesthesia must be used.
Foods That Easily Get Stuck in Your Teeth
Providing your cosmetic dentist with a clean mouth to work with is important to ensure they can perform quality work with a lower risk of complications. Avoid consuming foods that can easily get stuck in your teeth, and be sure to brush and floss thoroughly before your appointment.
Food to Avoid After
Recovery will vary depending on the type of cosmetic procedure you have done, and even then it will vary from patient to patient. In general, however, there are some foods it’s best to avoid directly following your appointment. As always, be sure to follow the specific instructions given to you by your dentist.
Very Hard or Crunchy Foods
Following your procedure, your mouth will likely be a little sore and require time to recover, meaning you should avoid extremely hard or crunchy foods that can not only contribute to soreness but also risk damaging the cosmetic work you just had done.
Sticky or Gummy Foods
Sticky or gummy foods also risk doing damage to your recently performed dental work, so be sure to skip the gum, candy, and other similar foods.
Dark Colored Beverages
After having a cosmetic procedure, we know you’ll want to do your best to preserve the quality of your dental work. Dark-colored drinks such as wine, coffee, or colas can lead to stained or discolored teeth, so it’s best to avoid these when possible.
Trust Your Smile to the Best Dentist in Lincoln, NE
We know a healthy, beautiful smile is important to you, which is why we strive to be the best dentist in Lincoln, NE. At West Gate Dental, it’s our mission to provide you with the thorough, quality dental care you’ll be proud to show off. If you’d like to learn more about our available services including cosmetic dentistry, or if you’re ready to make an appointment now, contact us today! You can also request an appointment online using our appointment request form.