Did you know that your toothpaste could have an effect on your porcelain veneers? Unfortunately, it’s not always the good kind of effect! You might be relying on your favorite variety to protect and clean your teeth, but certain qualities can damage your veneers, shortening their lifespan. To see if your toothpaste and dental cosmetics are compatible, keep reading.
Does the Tube Say “Whitening”?
Plenty of people want whiter teeth, which means that plenty of companies market whitening toothpastes. These over-the-counter dental staining solutions tend to contain highly abrasive materials that aren’t good for your porcelain veneers – or your natural teeth, for that matter. As the rough paste gets brushed back and forth, enamel and porcelain alike become worn down. It’s better to avoid whitening toothpaste altogether.
Does it Contain Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda?
These two substances came on the social media scene as DIY teeth whitening alternatives. Like the toothpastes that came before them, the results are often disappointing. More importantly, though, activated charcoal and baking soda are also highly abrasive. Spare your countertop the mess and protect your porcelain veneers by staying well away from these two ingredients.
What Toothpastes Can I Use?
Bottles with the “sensitivity” label or dental gels are usually veneer-friendly. As long as they’re not paired with whitening materials, you can trust that they’re made for gentle oral hygiene. Fluoride toothpastes can actually give your dental cosmetics a boost by fortifying your teeth against gum-disease- and tooth-decay-causing bacteria. But once again, you’ll have to keep a keen eye on the ingredient list.
To be absolutely positively certain that your toothpaste won’t prematurely wear out your beautiful veneers, talk to your dentist. They’ll know exactly which kinds are easy on dental cosmetics and might even be able to point you towards a type that will suit your unique preferences. Never be afraid to ask them how you can best take care of your teeth or your porcelain veneers!
About the Practice
Drs. Donald Bond and Timothy D. Ganfield are highly skilled and experienced dentists. They know how to help patients feel welcome and comfortable when they visit for treatments, and are happy to enhance their smiles with dental cosmetics like porcelain veneers. If you have questions about your veneers or about what type of hygiene products will help them last, don’t hesitate to contact their office at 302-731-4225.