I’ve had two porcelain veneers loosen within the last four months. My sister said it’s probably because I’ve been rinsing my mouth with peroxide to whiten my natural teeth. I drink a lot of coffee, so I’m trying to keep my teeth as white as my veneers. Can peroxide ruin veneers? I’m embarrassed to tell my dentist what I’ve been doing. Thanks. Trudie
Trudie,
“Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide.” That’s advice that many people have heard for years. Is it good advice? We will explain how hydrogen peroxide can affect your mouth and smile makeover with porcelain veneers.
How Does Peroxide Affect Your Mouth?
As you rinse your mouth with it, hydrogen peroxide bubbles and releases oxygen. What’s the result?
- The oxygen kills harmful bacteria that promote gum disease.
- Beneficial microbes are also killed.
- The absence of good bacteria causes other microorganisms, including yeast, to thrive.
- Extended use (approximately two weeks or longer) of hydrogen peroxide to rinse your mouth will cause candida albicans to grow. The result is an oral yeast infection that will cause the tissue inside your mouth to become white and peel. The tissue will be red, raw, and painful.
If you want to keep your natural teeth as white as your porcelain veneers, get teeth whitening from a dentist.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Ruin Porcelain Veneers?
Short-term use of hydrogen peroxide will not ruin porcelain veneers but don’t overdo it. However, it can irritate the gum tissue around the veneers and irritate. Still, if you wear porcelain veneers, caution is needed with the type of mouthwash you use. Mouthwash that contains alcohol softens the bonding that secures veneers to your teeth, and it will promote staining. Diligent oral hygiene limits the need for mouthwash.
- Brush your teeth with non-abrasive toothpaste twice daily.
- Floss daily.
- If you still need mouthwash, ensure it’s alcohol-free.
How Can You Help Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneer
You can prolong the life of your porcelain veneers with these steps:
- Maintain regular exam and cleaning appointments – Ensure that your exam and cleaning are only completed by a dentist and hygienist trained in properly maintaining porcelain veneers. Power polishing equipment should never be used on veneers.
- Wear a mouth guard – Wear a custom mouth guard if you play contact sports.
- Wear an oral appliance at night – Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth at night. Wearing an oral appliance at night will protect your teeth.
- Use a sonic toothbrush – A sonic toothbrush’s soft, vibrating bristles will clean and polish your porcelain veneers.
- Limit snacks and sugar intake – Sugary foods and drinks promote bacteria and decay, as does frequent snacking.
Consult a cosmetic dentist to determine why your porcelain veneers are loosening.
Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.
