What is veneer breath

What is veneer breath

Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is estimated to impact 1 in 4 people daily. We are all aware of the unwanted odour, and many people resort to keeping mints and mouth sprays at all times to avoid the issue. If you have come across this article, chances are you either have veneers or are considering getting them.

Although these cosmetic marvels offer a false way to enhance natural smiles, they do still need to be cared for like normal teeth. In this article, we will explore why people with composite and porcelain veneers sometimes get bad breath and how to resolve the problem.

What causes bad breath when you have veneers?

Veneers are a permanent solution to resolving issues such as crooked teeth in the sense that once they have been installed, some form of dental work will always need to be done by way of follow-up. Unless you opt for the dreaded Turkey teeth, they also shouldn’t involve filing teeth down completely. Instead, veneers are simply placed on slightly shaved-down teeth to provide a gleaming finish that any Hollywood star would be happy with.

There is a common misconception that veneers won’t suffer from the same problems that real teeth do. Whilst this is true because many won’t stain or erode, they still need to be properly maintained. If they are not kept clean, bad breath is a common issue that many experience.

Below are the reasons why an unwanted oral odour can arise for those with veneers.

Poor dental hygiene

It’s estimated that around 31% of UK adults have some form of tooth decay. This is a dental nightmare which isn’t eliminated just because someone chooses to have veneers fitted. In fact, real teeth can start to decay under veneers if overall dental hygiene levels are not kept at a high standard.

This is commonly an issue if other areas of the mouth are not well-maintained. Oral bacteria can be extremely harmful to teeth and also leave a nasty smell due to the spreading of sulphur. Veneers should be looked after in the same way that real teeth are.

Ill-fitting veneers

The way that veneers are fitted depends on the type you select. Composite veneers, otherwise known as bonding, are attached to the tooth, with some of the original bone still showing. They are intended to even out the size and shape of teeth instead of completely covering them. Porcelain veneers are glass-like ceramics which are slid on top of teeth for a completely new finish.

No matter how the veneers are selected, if they are not installed properly, bad breath can occur. Dirt can get between the veneer and the actual tooth, leading to bacterial formation that is impossible to remove by anyone other than a professional dentist.

Gum disease

It’s not always advised to get veneers with gum disease, as the application of a veneer material can lead to the issue becoming worse. This is still possible with proper placement, but it should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If gum disease is present and getting worse, bacteria will form, which again causes odours. This is why it’s always essential to find a registered dentist to fit veneers, as checks for the earliest stages of gum problems. Other problems associated with having veneers when gum disease is present include dentist sensitivity and bleeding gums.

Excessive use of poor-smelling materials

As we mentioned, veneers are just like real teeth. This means that the normal offenders for causing stinky breath will also do so even if you have a cosmetically enhanced smile.

Some of the main offenders include tobacco, coffee, onions, alcohol and sugary foods. Although we know some of you may have a penchant for these products, it’s always best to reduce, if not eliminate, items that can lead to excessive bad breath. Also, if they are consuming any of them, always ensure you keep dental hygiene levels higher than normal.

How can the veneer breath be resolved?

If you are reading this article and left with a feeling of panic about veneer breath, fear not, as we can assure you there are plenty of methods available to eliminate the problem.

The first is to always clean not just your teeth but also the rest of your mouth properly. This means flossing, using a tongue scraper and never missing out on the mouthwash. As with normal teeth, this should be carried out twice a day, but also more regularly if you eat or drink something with a strong aroma. Chewing sugar-free gum is also a great habit to introduce, as this not only gets rid of smells but also produces saliva, which is another method of transporting away unwanted odours. Another piece of advice is to drink plenty of water. In addition to improving overall health, water is essential for oral hygiene as it neutralises acids within the mouth. High hydration levels also flush bacteria out of the mouth, which is another way of removing bad smells.

Smoking is another cause for bad breath, which can lead to permanent smell staining. The only way to truly get rid of this smell is to think about quitting the habit. You will also find that this reduces the chance of visual staining, helping veneers to last for even longer.

There are also a few dental methods that can be used if the previous advice does not result in the intended levels of freshness. This includes professional cleans from a hygienist, replacing veneers should the real tooth have become decayed, and even using medicated mouthwash. Dentists can also apply a new veneer sealant to protect from bacterial build-up. The best course of action is to speak with your dentist to find out what they advise.

How should veneers be brushed?

When we discuss whether veneers stain, it’s important not just to consider visual marks but also unwanted smells that can attach to surfaces. Composite veneers are more susceptible to both problems, but if porcelain veneers are not cared for, they too can start to deteriorate over time.

To properly clean veneers, a soft-bristle toothbrush should be selected. Gentle pressure should then be applied so that the dentist-recommended toothpaste is spread around in circular motions. This should cover all parts of the veneer as well as the edges to ensure bacteria are not left against the gums. Veneers also need to be flossed and supported with the use of regular mouthwash. Furthermore, you should also attend the dental hygienist regularly for deep cleans that are not always possible to achieve with at-home brushing.

By looking after your cosmetic smile, worrying about problems such as whitening veneers is a thing of the past, as they can be kept in perfect condition.

What services are available from The Eye and Dental Clinic for veneers?

After reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of what we mean by the term veneer breath.

Paying for a full set of veneers is a big investment, but one that has many benefits. The last thing you want is to have a perfect smile which smells awful to anyone in proximity to you. At The Eye and Dental Clinic, we offer a wide range of veneer services and support. This includes offering fitting of porcelain and composite veneers, advice on how to handle missing teeth and the provision of emergency dental care.

We also regularly share lots of help and advice, meaning whether you are worried about what veneers will look like in ten years or if they are painful to get, our website holds the answers.

To learn more, you can check out our appointments policy and complaints procedures. You can also book an appointment to find out more about how much veneers cost in the UK and to ask any other questions.

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