You’ve probably heard that brushing your teeth twice a day is good for you. It’s good for your porcelain veneers, too – unless you’re using certain types of toothpaste. True, porcelain is well-known for being a durable material, but even it has its weaknesses. If you want your dental cosmetics to last as long as possible, it’s important to choose the right toothpaste!
How do you know what to look for? Keep reading; this is everything you need to know.
Why Do I Need to Brush My Veneers?
Since porcelain veneers are made out of, well, porcelain, you might be wondering why you need to brush them at all. Don’t only enamel-shielded teeth get cavities?
Cavities do prefer organic teeth, but bacteria build up can also lead to gum disease. If this dental condition goes untreated, it will weaken your gums, loosening your teeth until they quite possibly fall out – along with your veneers. Plus, regular brushing will help keep your porcelain veneers shiny and pearly!
Toothpaste Textures to Avoid
As you can see, veneers aren’t completely invincible. When it comes to toothpaste, certain ingredients and textures will prematurely wear them down. Here are some tough customers to avoid:
- “Whitening” products that you can get over-the-counter often contain abrasive peroxides. They’re not designed with most dental cosmetics in mind.
- Baking soda is gritty, making it not suitable for being brushed back and forth over porcelain veneers. If you see a baking soda oral hygiene method on social media, look the other way!
- Activated charcoal has also gained some traction in social media. It’s rough, grainy, and ultimately not FDA or ADA (American Dental Association) approved, so it’s best to stay away from this ingredient too.
These three materials aren’t great for your natural enamel, either – and if it can damage one of the toughest substances in the human body, it can probably harm your veneers!
Signs and Labels to Look For
There are a few keywords that can indicate you’re on the right track in selecting a good toothpaste, such as:
- “Sensitivity” or “gentle cleaning” toothpastes are usually made with softer ingredients – unless they’re combined with whitening agents!
- The ADA seal of approval isn’t given out to just any ‘ol products. Bottles with this stamp are surefire winners.
- Gel toothpastes are designed to have a smoother texture than traditional pastes, so they’re worth checking out as well.
Choosing a veneer-friendly toothpaste can be difficult, not to mention overwhelming. When you feel overloaded with options and confusing jargon, ask your dentist what they would recommend. They are the professionals after all, and will be able to point you towards a product you can trust!
About the Dentist
Dr. David M. Fisher Jr. earned his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been helping patients improve their oral health and aesthetics for over 20 years. He’s seen the value of confidence-boosting dental cosmetics first-hand and would be happy to help you maintain your porcelain veneers. To contact Dr. Fisher’s office, call 336-288-1242.