Do You Need to Brush Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth. Getting veneers can dramatically improve the look of your smile by covering cracks, gaps, stains and other imperfections.
But once you have veneers placed, you need to take proper care of them if you want them to last. This raises the question - do you need to brush dental veneers? Let's go over the basics of veneer maintenance.
Why Proper Cleaning is Crucial
Although veneers are stain-resistant, they still need daily cleaning to remove plaque and food debris. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque buildup at the gumline could lead to gum inflammation, infection, and other oral health issues.
If excess plaque is not removed, it can also harden into tartar that begins to push the veneer away from the tooth. This could shorten the lifespan of your veneers and may require replacement sooner.
Can You Brush Too Hard?
Brushing too aggressively is unlikely to damage most dental veneers as porcelain and composite resin materials are very strong.
However in some cases if you have very thin veneers or existing tooth damage underneath, overly forceful brushing could risk cracking or dislodging the veneer. Be gentle especially over any underlying tooth fractures.
You'll also want to avoid using harder bristled brushes like charcoal brushes. The firmer bristles concentrate too much force and abrasiveness on the teeth and veneers.
What is the Best Way to Brush Veneers?
Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is recommended to keep your veneers looking beautiful. Here are some tips:
Use a Soft Brush
Choose a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid being overly abrasive on the veneer surface. Medium and hard brushes also risk damaging the gumline surrounding your veneers.
Angle Properly
Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle aimed towards your gumline as you brush. This allows you to remove debris hiding below the veneer edge and disrupt plaque growth.
Don't Forget Behind Veneers
Using a gentle sweeping motion, brush behind your front veneers to dislodge trapped food particles. If debris is left behind the veneers for too long,
FAQs
What about cinnamon rolls or toast with cinnamon?
Foods made with refined flour, sugar, butter, and other calorie-dense ingredients would definitely break your fast even if they contain cinnamon. It's the extra carbs and calories that disrupt your fasted state.
Are cinnamon mints okay to have while fasting?
It's best to avoid all mints, gums, throat lozenges, and other oral products when fasting. Even if they contain zero calories, ingredients like menthol trigger taste receptors that can stimulate digestive processes.
Can I put cinnamon in my bone broth when fasting?
No, bone broth itself already contains calories that break your fast. The proteins and amino acids stimulate metabolic processes that pull your body out of the fasted state. Adding cinnamon or other spices doesn’t change this effect.
What about sauces and salad dressings with cinnamon?
Avoid consuming any sauces, dressings, dips or other calorie-containing condiments when fasting even if they contain small amounts of cinnamon. The extra carbohydrates and calories disrupt ketosis.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment