Oral hygiene tasks should be a permanent feature of your daily routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day can allow your smile to remain healthy and beautiful! But what if you have veneers? You might need to be a little picky about the products you use to clean your teeth. This blog post discusses how you can choose the right toothpaste to help your veneers maintain their gorgeous appearance for as long as possible.
Why Does the Type of Toothpaste Matter?
Most of the toothpastes you see in a typical store are quite safe for natural teeth. They are effective at getting rid of plaque, can freshen your breath, and fortify your enamel with fluoride. However, even if you have a favorite toothpaste, it might not be appropriate for use on veneers.
That is because some ingredients that are harmless for natural teeth can actually damage veneers. For example, some abrasive ingredients have been known to create tiny scratches in dental porcelain. If you accidentally scratch your veneers, those little spots of damage could start to collect pigment molecules, which could make your smile take on a dull and yellow appearance.
What Should You Avoid in a Toothpaste for Veneers?
There are two main types of toothpastes that are not suitable for use on veneers:
- Abrasive toothpastes. Some toothpastes contain baking soda or other abrasive ingredients. For people without veneers, such toothpastes can be good at removing plaque and polishing the teeth. Sadly, though, they can scratch porcelain.
- Whitening toothpastes. Some whitening toothpastes can be quite abrasive. Plus, you should note that veneers do not respond to typical teeth-whitening agents. Using a whitening toothpaste might brighten your natural teeth while having no effect on your veneers. You might end up with a mismatched smile! (There is no need to worry about your teeth becoming overly yellow; many non-whitening toothpastes are effective at preventing surface stains.)
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
Here are a few tips that can help you decide which toothpaste to use for your veneers:
- Select a gel product. Gel toothpastes tend to be minimally abrasive while still being quite effective for teeth cleaning.
- Look for toothpastes that are specifically designed to be used on veneers. These might cost a bit more than regular toothpastes, but they are generally quite safe for veneers and other porcelain restorations.
- Ask your dentist for product recommendations. Your dental team might have a few products that they frequently recommend to patients with veneers.
Veneers have the potential to look amazing for years and years — but only if you take good care of them. Be sure to use the right oral hygiene products so your smile can stay clean, fresh, and attractive.
Meet the Practice
Aveni Dental Professionals is proud to provide comprehensive oral health services to our community, including veneers, preventive care, and more. If you have questions about how to protect the health and appearance of your smile, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Plymouth, MA, office at 508-217-7454.