How to Care for Your Teeth After Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is an alternative to veneers and other cosmetic options to address imperfections in the teeth. It can also be used to address minor functional issues, such as small cracks or chips in the teeth. Once dental bonding is complete, you'll need to take care of your new smile so it lasts. Fortunately, caring for bonded teeth is easy.

Tooth care after dental bonding

After dental bonding is complete, the teeth can be cared for the same ways as usual: brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. That said, a few other steps can extend the lifespan of a dental resin.

Chew evenly

A bonded tooth has a strong resin coating that functions like a regular tooth. Still, patients should avoid especially hard foods (like popcorn kernels) and chewy items that could separate the bonding from the underlying tooth.

That said, there is no need to have a highly restrictive diet for the sake of a bonded tooth. Just try to chew evenly on both sides to remove a bit of the strain from the restoration.

Practice proper oral care

Even though dental bonding uses composite resin, it is placed on a real tooth that needs proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dentist visits will help maintain the longevity of a bonded tooth by preventing bacterial buildup, plaque, and decay. If something goes wrong with the resin, a dentist will identify and fix the issue before a cavity can form.

Do not bite nails

One of the most damaging habits that people with dental bonding can have is chewing on non-food objects. From biting fingernails to chewing on pencils and pens, patients should avoid putting excess pressure on the tooth whenever possible.

Similarly, do not pick at the bonded area or obsess over it with the tongue. While this is unlikely to damage the resin, it can irritate the gums and tooth nerves if the area is not left alone.

Drink water regularly

The resin used during a dental bonding procedure is made from non-toxic plastic, so it does not decay like natural teeth. However, it can still host bacterial colonies, plaque, and stains. Left uncleaned, a bonded tooth can lead to gingivitis and inflammation of the gums, just like normal teeth do when they are not cared for properly.

Patients should care for their dental bonding by staying hydrated. Consistently drinking water helps rinse bacteria and sugars off the resin, keeping it clean and free from buildup.