Archives for December 2013

Is it true that I can’t use toothpaste on porcelain veneers?

Posted on December 26, 2013 by AllSmiles.

I was told that if I get porcelain veneers that I can’t use regular toothpaste on them. Do porcelain veneers require special care beyond natural teeth? Thanks. Bridget

Bridget – You should treat porcelain veneers as you would your natural teeth. Floss and brush them, but use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.

It’s important that you get your teeth regularly examined and cleaned by a cosmetic dentist with staff training in maintaining porcelain veneers. Some of the equipment used to clean and polish natural teeth will damage porcelain veneers, so it’s important to have a dentist who is skilled in caring for veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Get rid of abscess without dentist?

Posted on December 23, 2013 by AllSmiles.

I have a tooth abscess. I know it because I’ve had one before. This is definitely not in my budget to get it fixed. What can I do to get rid of it without a dentist? V.C.

V. C. – A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection. You need the help of a dentist to drain the abscess, perform a root canal treatment, and get rid of the infection. It’s not something that you can do yourself.

It’s important that you get dental treatment right away before the infection spreads. An infection that is left untreated can be life threatening.

If you don’t have a regular dentist, contact an emergency dentist for an appointment.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.