Why You Shouldn't Use Alcohol-Based Mouthwash With Veneers

If you want a perfect smile, veneers are definitely something you should consider. Prep and no-prep veneers can give almost anyone the smile of their dreams in just a few quick visits to the Stanley Dentistry office. Post-procedure, all of our veneers patients want to keep their smile looking great so they turn to things like alcohol-based mouthwash and whitening toothpaste. While these things work wonders for natural enamel, they do more harm than good when it comes to veneers.

The problem with alcohol-based mouthwash and veneers

Technically speaking, you don’t really need to use any mouthwash if you have veneers. We recommend veneers patients brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss once a day. This will ensure that you reach the hidden areas between enamel and veneer that cavities like to develop.

If you want to use a mouthwash with your veneers, stay far away from any that have an alcohol base. Take another look at the ingredients in your mouthwash before you rinse again. Alcohol-based mouthwash can be damaging to the bonding composite of your veneers. This means that the alcohol will gradually wear away at the bonding that holds the veneer to the tooth. Over time, this could lead to the loosening of the veneers. In severe cases, the bonding becomes so eroded that the veneers fall off.

Lots of people prefer alcohol-based mouthwash because they think it does a better job cleaning but in reality, it’s mostly a matter of personal preference. There are slight differences between the two but none that will strongly affect your dental health. Non-alcoholic mouthwash will give you the same fresh and clean feeling as alcoholic-based.

If you’re looking for a good, non-alcoholic mouthwash try Crest Pro-Health.

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