I have new porcelain veneers and could not be happier. My smile is beautiful and I am constantly receiving compliments. I want to do all I can to maintain this smile (and protect my investment), by ensuring that I’m caring for my veneers as best I can. Is there a particular mouthwash that is best?
Thanks,
Jill
Dear Jill,
Congratulations on your new veneers. To answer your question, no particular mouthwash is better than others for cosmetic dental work. Just be sure you don’t use any washes that contain alcohol. Listerine is an example of this. Some varieties of the brade contain almost 22% alcohol, which can lessen the bonding used to keep your veneers in place. It can also lead to leakage or the veneers falling off, in addition to drying out gums and/or causing issues with the health of your gums. Crest Pro-Health and Breath-Rx are two alcohol-free options that come to mind.
Tips for caring for your porcelain veneers
- Use a soft brush to gently brush after each meal.
- Floss at least two times per day.
- Don’t use whitening toothpastes, or those pastes designed to remove stains. These can damage the porcelain.
- Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol.
- Have regular cleanings from dentists or hygienists with cosmetic dentist training.
- Wear a night guard that is professionally or custom-made, if you are prone to grinding your teeth.
