Among any group of friends, you just might have the whitest set of teeth with your porcelain veneers. However, you still have to brush your teeth. As you shop for toothpastes, a thought pops up: Is there a certain type of toothpaste best for your veneers? After all, you want to keep them looking great for years. As it turns out, your dentist has some suggestions on which kinds to use for your veneers in Skokie.
Does the Type of Toothpaste Matter for Veneers?
Although porcelain veneers already take care of a number of issues, like chips, stains, and other imperfections, it is still important to care for them in the same way as natural teeth. In this sense, the kind of toothpaste you use does matter, and what’s important is the nature in which the toothpaste interacts with your veneers.
There are two main types of toothpaste that can damage them:
Abrasive toothpastes: Some toothpastes use abrasive agents, material that essentially scratches at the surface in order to remove plaque and polish the teeth. These agents can damage the shine or texture of your veneers. Common abrasive agents include hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, and baking soda.
Whitening toothpastes: Most teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, which can harm the structure of veneers.
Now that we understand what to avoid, the choice on what’s best for porcelain veneers becomes clear. Non-abrasive toothpastes without whitening agents are the ones to use. They neither risk damage to the surface or structure of the veneers. Try Elmex sensitive toothpaste, or any toothpaste with an RDA value as low as 30.
Your Toothbrush Matters!
The kind of toothbrush you use matters as much as the toothpaste. While you should avoid using agents that can scratch veneers, you should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush that has a gentle touch. The way you brush is also important, as it’s best to use light pressure instead of a heavy hand that could wear out your veneers.
Keeping Your Smile Shiny
It’s understandable to want to use whitening or abrasive toothpaste to deal with stains or plaque, but with veneers comes a different kind of dental hygienic mindset. Instead of forcing your veneers to look clean, just preserve them. They already look amazing! Now you only have to keep them that way.
About the Practice
Dr. Brad Weiss, DDS, and Dr. Ali Fulreader, DDS, practice dentistry in Skokie, IL. The Weiss Dental Arts team is passionate about providing exceptional care to you and your family’s needs, big or small. They offer a variety of comprehensive dental treatments, including dental veneers. If you have any questions, visit their website or call 847-864-0188.