Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for anyone, but it becomes even more important after getting dental veneers. Veneers are an investment in both your smile and your confidence, and knowing how to care for them properly—especially when it comes to brushing—is key to preserving their beauty and longevity. Many patients wonder if veneers require a different brushing technique, special products, or additional care compared to natural teeth.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to brush your teeth with veneers, the best oral hygiene practices and expert-recommended tips to keep your smile healthy and radiant for years to come.
💡 At Whites Dental, we have some of London’s most experienced veneers dentists providing a full range of options from our two clinics in Waterloo & Marble Arch.
Key Takeaway
- Brush your dental veneers twice in a day – morning and before bed – with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste (fluoride based) alongside
- Floss daily to prevent plaque build up and gum inflammation around the veneers.
- Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for long-term maintenance.
- Avoid abrasive toothpaste, hard-bristled brushes, and acidic or sugary foods that can damage the bonding or edges of your veneers
- Proper oral hygiene and consistent care will help your veneers last 10–20 years or longer.
Understanding Veneers And Their Care Needs
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells—typically crafted from porcelain or composite resin—that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to improve the colour, shape, size, and overall appearance of your smile.
Although veneers are durable and stain-resistant, they still require proper care to maintain their shine and integrity. The key thing to remember is that while the veneer itself cannot decay, the natural tooth structure beneath and around it still can. Therefore, brushing and cleaning remain essential to prevent cavities, gum disease, and veneer failure.
Why Brushing Is Critical After Getting Veneers
Proper brushing removes plaque, bacteria and food particles from the gumline and veneer surface. Even though veneers are not porous like enamel, bacteria can still accumulate around the edges, leading to gum irritation or decay underneath if not cleaned thoroughly.
Brushing also helps maintain the natural gloss and brightness of your veneers. While high-quality porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, poor oral hygiene can allow plaque or tartar build up, which dulls their appearance over time.
How To Brush Your Teeth With Veneers
Brushing your teeth with veneers is quite similar to brushing natural teeth, but there are a few key adjustments to protect your investment.
1. Use A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Always choose a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush. Hard bristles can cause tiny scratches on the surface of your veneers, dulling their shine. They can also irritate the gums, which could lead to gum recession over time.
A soft brush provides effective cleaning while being gentle on both veneers and gums.
2. Choose A Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Avoid whitening or charcoal toothpastes, as these often contain abrasive particles that can wear down the polish of your veneers. Instead, opt for a fluoride-based, non-abrasive toothpaste. This type of toothpaste will clean effectively while protecting the bonding and underlying enamel.
Your dentist can recommend the most suitable brands for veneer care.
3. Brush Twice A Day—Gently But Thoroughly
Brush your teeth in the morning and at night before going to bed – every day. Our dentists advise that small, circular motions are better suited that strenuous back and forth brushing. Focus on all surfaces of the teeth and pay special attention to the gumline, where bacteria tend to accumulate.
Each brushing session should last about two minutes.
4. Don’t Forget To Floss
Flossing daily helps remove plaque and debris between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use a gentle sawing motion and avoid snapping the floss, which can damage the gumline or veneer edges.
If traditional flossing feels uncomfortable, try interdental brushes or water flossers, both of which are safe for veneers.
5. Rinse With A Fluoride Mouthwash
Rinsing with a fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash helps strengthen the enamel of the surrounding teeth and reduces the risk of gum infection. Avoid alcohol-based rinses, as they can weaken the bonding agent used to attach your veneers.
What Kind Of Toothbrush Should You Use?
The ideal toothbrush for veneers is one that cleans efficiently without being harsh. Electric toothbrushes with soft or extra-soft heads are often recommended, as they provide consistent pressure and movement.
When choosing a manual brush, look for one labelled as “soft” and replace it every three months or sooner if the bristles fray. Worn bristles can be abrasive and less effective at removing plaque.
Can You Use Whitening Toothpaste With Veneers?
It’s best to avoid whitening toothpaste. While these formulas are designed to remove surface stains from natural enamel, they contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch and dull veneers.
If you wish to maintain a bright smile, focus on professional cleanings and polishing treatments at your dental clinic. Your dentist can remove any superficial stains safely without damaging the veneers.
What Happens If You Don’t Brush Veneers Properly?
Neglecting proper brushing can lead to several oral health issues, even with veneers:
- Plaque build up can lead to gum inflammation or periodontal disease.
- Decay can develop underneath the veneer if bacteria reach the natural tooth.
- Discolouration may appear around the edges due to plaque or tartar.
- Bad breath can occur from trapped bacteria.
💡 Veneers may look perfect, but they rely on healthy underlying teeth and gums to last long-term. Proper brushing is non-negotiable for maintaining both beauty and function.
How To Clean Around Veneer Margins
The margins—or the edges where the veneer meets your natural tooth—are particularly vulnerable to plaque accumulation. To clean effectively:
- Angle your toothbrush slightly toward the gumline.
- Use gentle, circular motions to clean the junction between the veneer and gum.
- Rinse thoroughly after brushing.
💡 This technique helps prevent inflammation and gum recession, both of which could expose the veneer edge. Book a dental veneers appointment with one of our team for advice.
How To Protect Veneers From Damage
Even though veneers are durable, they can still be damaged if not cared for properly. Here are key ways to protect them:
- Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails)
- Use a night guard if you are a grinder – while sleeping.
- Don’t use your teeth to open items such as bottle caps etc.
- Limit acidic and sugary foods to protect natural enamel around the veneer.
💡 Simple precautions like these significantly extend the life of your veneers.
Are Veneers Difficult To Maintain?
Not at all. One of the biggest advantages of veneers is that they don’t require complicated maintenance. As long as you follow regular oral hygiene practices—brushing, flossing, rinsing and check-ups—your veneers will continue to look and function like natural teeth.
The only major adjustment is avoiding abrasive products and maintaining awareness of the foods or habits that could damage the veneers.
The Role Of Diet In Veneer Longevity
Your diet can influence how well your veneers hold up over time. While porcelain is resistant to staining, certain foods and drinks can still have an impact.
Good foods for veneers:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially crunchy ones that help clean teeth)
- Dairy products like milk and cheese (strengthen enamel)
- Water (keeps mouth hydrated and washes away acids)
Foods to limit:
- Coffee, tea, red wine
- Tomato-based sauces
- Dark berries
- Acidic beverages (soft drinks, citrus juices)
💡 Moderation is key—occasional indulgence won’t harm your veneers as long as you brush and rinse afterward.
How Veneers Compare To Natural Teeth In Brushing
Brushing veneers is very similar to brushing natural teeth. The biggest difference is the need to be more mindful of abrasion and gum health.
Natural enamel can sometimes handle slightly more aggressive brushing, whereas veneers need a gentler approach to preserve their glossy finish. Nonetheless, the same principles apply: clean thoroughly, brush regularly and maintain good habits.
How To Deal With Bad Breath If You Have Veneers
Bad breath (halitosis) can still occur if bacteria accumulate around the veneers or on the tongue. Brushing your tongue daily with a tongue scraper and using an antibacterial mouthwash helps significantly.
💡 Also, remember to clean under bridges or between veneers if applicable. Veneers themselves don’t cause odour, but poor hygiene around them can lead to bad breath.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Brushing Veneers
- Using hard-bristled brushes: They can scratch veneer surfaces.
- Brushing too hard: Excessive force damages gums and bonding.
- Skipping flossing: Leads to plaque between veneers
- Using abrasive toothpaste: Can dull the porcelain finish.
- Neglecting dental visits: Problems can go unnoticed until severe.
💡 Avoiding these habits helps maintain both the health and the aesthetics of your smile.
Do Veneers Need Special Toothpaste Or Mouthwash?
Veneers don’t necessarily require specialty toothpaste, but choosing the right formula matters. Stick with gentle, non-abrasive options and avoid ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or charcoal.
For mouthwash, fluoride and antibacterial rinses are ideal. Always steer clear of alcohol-based options, which can weaken bonding over time.
Professional Cleaning For Veneers
In addition to your daily brushing routine, professional cleaning at your dental practice is essential. Dental hygienists use specialised tools and polishing agents that remove plaque without harming the veneer surface.
💡 Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months, but those with higher plaque build up or gum sensitivity might need visits more frequently.
Maintaining Veneers Long-Term: Final Tips
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
- Use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily or use interdental cleaning tools.
- Avoid smoking, hard biting, and abrasive products.
- Attend regular dental check-ups every 6 months.
Conclusion
Learning how to brush your teeth with veneers correctly is essential for protecting both your dental investment and your natural oral health. Veneers can last decades when maintained properly, but that longevity depends on your commitment to consistent, gentle care.
By using the right tools, practising good hygiene, and visiting your dentist regularly, you’ll ensure your veneers remain as bright, smooth, and strong as the day they were fitted. For expert veneer care or consultation in London, contact White’s Dental—your trusted local specialists for Veneers in London.