8 Dental Veneer Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Once upon a time, patients with chipped, misshapen, or discolored teeth just had to live with them. Thankfully, modern dental veneers have filled that gap. Experts predict that their popularity will keep rising in years to come, hitting around $2.3 billion by 2028.

Despite how popular this dental solution is, patients, don't always understand how to care for them. Just because these durable shells protect your teeth doesn't mean you can do anything you like with them!

The wrong dental veneer maintenance mistakes can damage these treatments over time. If you're thinking of getting dental veneers, or if you're struggling to care for new ones, here are a few tips straight from our dentists.

1. Ignoring Bruxism Issues

Teeth grinding, also known as "bruxism," is a common issue most of us will face at some point in our lives. This grinding can happen due to anxiety, stress, the wrong sleep position, and other factors.

Of course, just because this problem is common doesn't mean you should put up with it. The human mouth can grind down with up to 250 pounds of force. If you think that might spell trouble for your new veneers, you'd be right!

Though most types of dental veneers are strong enough to last a decade or longer, bruxism can shorten this lifespan.

Be on the lookout for jaw or neck pain, headaches, tight jaw muscles, or frequent sleep disruption. All of these are signs that you may be clenching your teeth without realizing it.

Often, all you'll need to help with bruxism is a custom mouthguard from your dentist. This can relieve pain while protecting your teeth.

2. Careless Flossing

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. When it comes to cleaning dental veneers, it's still just as important.

However, it's crucial not to be careless when flossing. Pulling too hard on the crevices between your teeth can damage your veneers little by little. Harsh flossing can even displace your veneers over time.

Instead, be gentle with your flossing. You only need a small amount of force to remove food particles from between your teeth. If you're concerned about your flossing, be sure to ask your dentist to show you the correct way to do so with veneers.

3. Using Hard-Bristled Toothbrushes

There's a reason why the American Dental Association recommends soft toothbrushes. Bristles that are less firm can reduce the risk of enamel abrasion. They can also keep you from damaging your gums when you brush.

Though your veneers are durable, hard-bristled toothbrushes can wear away their polish. To avoid this, use a soft toothbrush and make gentle strokes.

4. Using the Wrong Toothpaste

In general, most toothpaste is safe to use with veneers. However, some gritty toothpaste can abrade the surface of your veneers. This can cause them to wear down or grow dull.

Instead, it's a good idea to use whitening toothpaste.

Although veneers can make your teeth look bright and beautiful for years, certain veneer materials are more prone to staining than others. Like your natural teeth, your veneers can benefit from the cleaning power of whitening toothpaste.

5. Smoking

You likely already know that smoking is terrible for your oral health. Not only can it cause gum disease, cancer, and other health conditions, but it can also stain your teeth.

Your veneers may look shiny and new when you first receive them, and they can even cover up older staining from smoking. However, they won't look that way for long if you continue smoking.

While most veneer materials are more stain-resistant than your natural teeth, the adhesives your dentist uses to fit them can stain. As a result, tobacco products can cause discoloration around your veneers, if not on the veneers themselves.

6. Eating the Wrong Foods

While we're still on the subject of tooth staining, it's a good time to mention that certain foods can stain your veneers.

Coffee, wine, certain teas, berries, snacks with artificial dyes, and similar foods and beverages can cause discoloration.

One of the benefits of veneers is that their material is non-porous, making them less prone to staining than your natural teeth. However, frequent exposure to the foods above can degrade or discolor them. You might not notice a change right after you eat or drink these foods, but they can dull the white gleam of your veneers over time.

In addition, you'll want to avoid particularly chewy or hard foods. Taffy and caramel, for example, are tough enough to put force on your veneers as you chew. Hard foods like lollipops and hard candies can crack or chip them.

7. Biting Non-Food Items

If you have a bad habit of using your teeth on non-food items, now is the time to stop. Using your teeth to remove pen caps, open bags, or chew your nails can damage your veneers.

As stated above, your teeth use great force when you bite down. Using your natural teeth and veneers to chew hard objects can place too much pressure on them. This, in turn, can cause them to crack, chip, or degrade over time.

8. Forgetting to Visit Your Dentist

Once you have your new veneers in place, it might be tempting to think you can skip your regular visits to the dentist. After all, with your veneers protecting your teeth, won't you need fewer check-ups?

Not only does your dentist need to check the state of your natural teeth every six months, but they also need to take a look at your veneers as well! Regular check-ups help your dentist look for any issues with your veneers, especially issues related to the maintenance mistakes above.

They also give you opportunities to ask your dentist questions about your usual veneer maintenance routine.

Avoid These Dental Veneer Maintenance Mistakes

Your new veneers can help protect your natural teeth, and they're durable and long-lasting. However, it's still important to use good oral hygiene habits with them. Avoiding these dental veneer maintenance mistakes can help.

Ready to smile with more confidence? If you're interested in veneers, our expert team is proud to serve patients throughout the Friendswood, TX area. To request a consultation, contact us today.

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.