Can peroxide loosen my porcelain veneers? I went on a trip to Costa Rica for two months. My friends and I have been planning the trip since 2023. I didn’t plan the trip to get porcelain veneers. However, after deciding to get veneers, I thought Costa Rica was a good opportunity to get them affordably. I’ve seen many IG pics of veneers done in Costa Rica, so I didn’t feel it was such a risk. My veneers look great, and I’m glad I got them. However, I have some gum irritation – redness and swelling. I’ve been rinsing my mouth with peroxide, but I’m getting concerned that the peroxide might loosen my veneers. Will it harm them? – Thanks. Stacie from CA

 

Stacie,

It’s good that you’re exploring solutions for the gum inflammation you’re experiencing with your porcelain veneers.

Does Peroxide Loosen Porcelain Veneers?

Peroxide won’t have any negative effect on your porcelain veneers. However, it will kill many healthy and unhealthy bacteria in your mouth. Long-term peroxide rinsing may allow a yeast organism called Candida albicans to predominate and cause an oral yeast infection. Avoid rinsing your mouth with peroxide for longer than two weeks.

Your description sounds like the porcelain veneers irritate your gum tissue, leading to gum disease around your veneered teeth. Although dental tourism can help you save money on dental care, some situations can expose patients to poor-quality dentistry. Often, dental tourism offers fewer legal protections for patients.

What Causes Gum Inflammation with Veneers?

When porcelain veneers are not perfectly placed in relation to your gumline, they can cause persistent irritation. Treating the inflammation without addressing the root cause will not lead to a long-term solution.

• Precise Veneer Placement: The margin between a porcelain veneer and a tooth must be seamless and smooth. If there is any ledge or “overhang,” it will inevitably catch food debris. An overhang breeds bacteria and is a permanent source of gum irritation.
• Over-contoured Veneers: A veneer’s shape at the gumline is crucial. A bulge in the veneer (over-contoured) can be a trap for food debris and bacteria, leading to gum inflammation.
• Residual Cement: After veneer placement, a dentist must meticulously remove excess cement. Leftover hardened cement will leave a rough surface, significantly irritating the gum tissue.

Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Schedule an exam to determine why your veneers are causing gum irritation.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read how Bayou Dental Group strives to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.