Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for optimal oral health and the long-term success of dental restorations like veneers. While veneers are made from relatively strong and durable materials like porcelain, they’re still vulnerable to damage. Thus, proper hygiene and care are essential to keep them in optimal condition for many years.
In this article, let’s discuss some key hygiene practices for dental veneer maintenance.
Proper oral hygiene is a major oral care routine for maintaining dental veneers. Dental experts recommend brushing at least twice a day for about 2 minutes at a time and flossing at least once daily. This helps remove bacterial plaque, tartar, debris, and stains from the teeth, gums, veneers, and mouth, significantly reducing your risk of oral problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Good techniques for brushing and flossing with dental veneers include:
Brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste to brush all the surfaces of your veneers and teeth. Brush in small, circular, gentle motions for at least 2 minutes.
Flossing: Use a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flossers to floss between your teeth and around the veneers. Gently floss up and down along your teeth and around the gum line to avoid damaging or dislodging your veneers.
While many, not all, toothbrushes and toothpaste are efficient for cleaning your teeth and veneers. For instance, a hard-bristled brush can scratch and wear down your veneers and teeth, significantly affecting your health. Similarly, some toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients like baking soda that can damage your teeth and veneers and affect their bright, smooth, flawless appearance.
For effective oral hygiene, use a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste like fluoride toothpaste to clean your veneers and mouth. Consult our dentist near you for safe and effective dental products for your teeth and veneers.
Rinsing with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash helps freshen your breathing and wash away bacteria, plaque, and debris from your teeth and veneers, keeping your teeth and veneers healthy and bright. Avoid abrasive and alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can erode your veneers and teeth or weaken the veneer bond, causing them to dislodge.
While veneers are strong and durable, they are still susceptible to damage, especially if subjected to excessive force. Aggressive brushing and flossing can cause your veneers to wear down or dislodge. It can also erode your underlying tooth and surrounding gums, leading to decay and gum disease, which can compromise the health of your veneer. Ensure you use gentle pressure and motions when cleaning your teeth and veneers.
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, routine professional cleanings every six months are essential to remove bacterial buildup, debris, and stains around your veneers and teeth. The dentist or hygienist uses specialized tools and techniques to clean and polish your teeth and veneers for a healthy, shiny finish.
Additional dental veneer care tips include:
Visit your dentist for regular checkups. The dentist will examine your veneers, teeth, and mouth to check for potential issues and promptly address them. This helps keep your veneers and mouth in good condition and reduces the risk of future dental issues.
Don’t use your teeth to open packages or chew on hard items like ice or nails, as it can cause your veneers to chip, crack, or dislodge. Visit our office if your veneers are damaged.
While veneers are highly resistant to staining, the surrounding teeth can still get stained. Avoiding staining habits is essential to maintain a bright and uniform smile. Limit your intake of highly colored foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, dark-colored sauces, tea, and tobacco. If you consume them, ensure you rinse your mouth afterward or brush your teeth to minimize potential staining.
If you have bruxism, wearing a nightguard when sleeping can protect your veneers and teeth from the effects of teeth grinding and clenching. Similarly, you should protect your teeth and veneers by wearing a sports guard during high-impact activities like sports. Ensure you get a custom-made mouthguard for maximum protection and comfort.
Inform your dentist immediately if you notice any chips, cracks, loosening, or damage to your veneers. Damaged veneers can expose the underlying tooth to infections and fractures, leading to decay and tooth loss.
Are you considering dental veneers near you? Or do you need more tips for cleaning and caring for your veneers and mouth for optimal oral health? Contact Dental Arts of Plymouth to book your dentist consultation today.
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