Composite resin is one of the most common and useful material for restoring damaged teeth. This means most people with dental fillings have the material in their mouth. However, you must take care of your restorations to avoid their deterioration. Here are some tips for taking care of resin restorations.

Care for Your Teeth as Usual

First, you should care for your restored teeth just as you normally do for your normal teeth. This means daily flossing and brushing to keep them clean. You should also see your dentist for routine cleanings once every six months; don't stop because your teeth have been restored. Without such routine care, the restored teeth may discolor or get weakened by diseases that may affect the root of the teeth.

Use a Soft Toothbrush

Although you should clean your teeth as usual, you need to replace your toothbrush with a soft-bristled one when you get dental restorations. The composite resin may suffer abrasion if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, which may lower the restoration's useful lifetime.

Go Easy On Alcohol Rinses

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash now and then is a good way to reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth. The problem with it is that most forms of mouthwash contain alcohol, and alcohol isn't gentle on the composite resin. Alcohol will soften up the restoration material and make it more susceptible to damage. Therefore, confirm that any mouth rinses you want to buy or use is free from alcohol if you want your restorations to last a long time.

Don't Place Too Much Stress on the Teeth

It is always a good idea to limit the level of stress your teeth may feel; this applies even to natural teeth. However, this precaution is even more important if your teeth have been restored with composite resin. Don't forget that composite resin is not as strong as natural teeth, which means they can be damaged by too much stress to the teeth. Therefore, don't bite your nails, chew bones, or use your teeth to open bottles since such habits place too much stress on the teeth.

Be Careful with Staining Foods and Drinks

Lastly, the composite resin material is not impervious; it can and does get stained. What is more, composite resin doesn't respond to bleaching products used to whiten teeth. Therefore, go easy on food and drinks that may stain your restorations. Such foods include tea, berries, grape juice, and red wine. Using a straw to take such drinks and rinsing your mouth soon afterward may also limit discoloration of your restored teeth.

For additional tips for taking care of your restored teeth, contact a dental clinic like Demianko Dental Care.