If you have had a tooth repaired or restored, your dentist has probably used ceramic materials. Ceramic is a very popular dental material because it closely approximates the color and translucency of natural teeth. Other materials may work, but they rarely look as good as ceramic.

Care for Your Dental Ceramics

(Pixabay / Anestiev)

Ceramic can be expensive, so you want to make it last. To keep dental ceramic strong and beautiful through the years, try these tips:

  • Brush twice a day – Brushing your teeth in the morning and evening is a critical first line of defense against cavities and other damage. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended to avoid scratching your ceramic teeth. You should not only clean your teeth but also around your gum line. Cleaning your teeth regularly keeps your teeth free of stains.
  • Go electric – Most dentists agree that an electric toothbrush is the best way of cleaning your teeth. Make sure to use a product with gentle bristles. If you have ceramic teeth, avoid an ultrasonic toothbrush. Heavy vibrations could cause your ceramic bonding agents to loosen.
  • Floss – Floss your teeth at least once a day (before bedtime is ideal). Flossing will remove all the trapped food particles and debris that may get stuck between your teeth. Be careful in flossing ceramic teeth. Do not pull on the thread close to the edges of the ceramic or you could cause damage.
  • Non-abrasive toothpaste – Toothpaste can contain abrasive materials that aid in cleaning. Use toothpaste that has a low RDA index to avoid scratching your ceramic teeth surfaces. A rating of 45 or lower is optimal.
  • If nothing else, rinse – There are instances when you may not be able to brush your teeth. Perhaps you are traveling and don’t have access to your toiletries. Whatever the reason, if you can’t brush, make sure to rinse vigorously after eating. This is not a perfect solution, but it will tide you over until you can access your toothbrush.

Regular visits to your dentist will help determine if there are minor scratches and damages to your ceramic teeth. If your dentist detects a problem, have him or her address the issue immediately.