Among your various options for cosmetic dentistry, veneers are notable for their durability; as long as they receive proper maintenance, they can potentially last for many years. If you want to maximize the lifespan of your veneers, then you need to make sure that you’re giving them the best care possible – and that means paying close attention to the toothpaste you use to clean them. Below is a brief overview of what you need to know when it comes to choosing toothpaste for your veneers.
What Types of Toothpaste Should You Avoid?
In general, you will want to stay away from toothpastes that contain baking soda and other abrasive agents. If you brush your veneers with abrasive toothpaste, you could end up scratching them. This creates a rougher surface where stains can form more easily; it can also cause your restorations to lose their shine.
Additionally, you should not use whitening toothpaste on veneers. Not only do they tend to contain abrasive ingredients, but they can also irritate the gum tissue around the restorations. Furthermore, the bleaching ingredients in certain whitening toothpastes will not have any effect on the color of your veneers.
What Kinds of Toothpaste are Good for Veneers?
When choosing toothpaste for veneers, you should make sure that it is:
- Non-Abrasive: Look for a gentle toothpaste that is unlikely to damage dental restorations. Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can be an excellent option.
- Fluoride-Based: Fluoride is essential for keeping your risk of developing cavities to a minimum. If you want to keep the teeth around your veneers in good health, choosing fluoride-based toothpaste is a must.
- Approved by the ADA: No matter what kind of toothpaste you buy, you should confirm that it carries the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval, which indicates that it meets certain standards in terms of safety and effectiveness.
What About Your Toothbrush?
In addition to picking the right toothpaste, you should make sure that you’re using the right kind of toothbrush to clean your veneers. A toothbrush with hard bristles can potentially damage veneers as well as your natural teeth. It’s therefore in your best interest to search for a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s also worth considering whether you want to use an electric toothbrush or a manual one. Both can be very effective for taking care of veneers, although electric toothbrushes tend to be more efficient when it comes to removing plaque.
Choosing the right kind of toothpaste can significantly improve the care that you’re able to give your veneers, making it more likely that you’ll be able to continue enjoying your enhanced smile for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Mitchell went to Baylor College of Dentistry, and he has served as the President of the Dallas Academy of General Dentistry. He holds membership with the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as well as several other organizations. At North Dallas Cosmetic Dentistry, he offers his patients dazzling solutions for the imperfections on their smiles, including veneers that can correct multiple aesthetic issues at once. If you’re interested in improving the appearance of your teeth, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitchell by visiting his website, using his online booking tool, or calling (972) 233-1311.
