When you’ve decided to get porcelain veneers to restore your smile, Dr. Kevin Boulard at Something to Smile About can offer helpful tips on how to care for them. While you probably are thrilled with the results of your veneers, it is important to still maintain your daily oral hygiene care in order to keep your oral health at its best. While porcelain veneers cannot get cavities, decay can still develop around them. Learn the best way to care for your veneers at our Merrimack, NH office during a comprehensive dental exam.

How are cavities formed?

The first phase of tooth decay is the formation of plaque. When sugars aren’t brushed and cleaned from your teeth, the bacteria feed on them, producing acids. These acids combine with bacteria, saliva, and food particles to form plaque. Once plaque forms, the acid wears away the enamel and begins to attack the dentin. As decay advances, the pulp may become irritated. When decay reaches this point, you may experience tooth sensitivity, a toothache, and pain when biting or chewing. During a dental exam, Dr. Boulard can examine your teeth in Merrimack, NH to determine if a cavity has formed.

Signs of a cavity

There are many signs that you may have a cavity, including

• White spots on the teeth (for children)

• Toothache

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages

• Holes in the teeth

• Stains on the surface of the tooth

• Pain when biting down or chewing

If you suspect that you have a cavity, it’s important to schedule an appointment at Something to Smile About as soon as possible. The longer you wait to be treated, the more serious an issue can become, leading to the need for more extensive dental procedures.

Can you get cavities with veneers?

While porcelain veneers cannot get cavities, the underlying teeth they’re attached to can develop them. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that is placed on the front surface of the teeth. The remaining tooth structure that still exists underneath your veneers is susceptible to tooth decay. If a cavity forms around or underneath a veneer, the decay must be removed, and a new set of veneers must be created. This can be costly, which is one of the important reasons to care properly for your teeth after getting porcelain veneers.

Cavity treatment

During a dental exam, Dr. Boulard can learn about your medical history and conduct a full exam of your teeth and gums. Digital x-rays can be used to confirm a diagnosis of a cavity. He will remove all decayed material from the tooth before filling it so it can become functional again. He may need to build the tooth up if there was significant tooth decay present so that the bite isn’t affected. A tooth-colored filling will restore the function of the tooth and offer a natural-loo

king finish.

Cavity prevention tips

Caring for your veneers is easy and doesn’t require special effort. At Something to Smile About, Dr. Boulard suggests annual dental exams and biannual dental cleanings. For patients with periodontal disease, more frequent dental cleanings may be recommended. Brush at least twice daily and floss once a day as this ensures that your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible. Removing plaque, food particles, and bacteria helps reduce your risk for tooth decay. Eating healthy foods also helps prevent tooth decay. Limit sugar consumption since sugar will accelerate the cavity-forming process too.

Learn more on how to maintain your oral health

Dr. Kevin Boulard at Something to Smile About is committed to helping his patients in Merrimack, NH to keep their teeth as healthy as possible. Regular dental exams allow him to detect dental problems early on before they advance to more frequent decay and tooth pain. When you suspect that you have a cavity and are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s important to schedule an appointment at our dental office as soon as possible. Veneers are an investment of both time and money and maintaining your oral health is also important when you have porcelain veneers. Protect your investment with efficient at-home oral hygiene care.