Did you know that your smile is often the very first feature that people notice upon greeting you? This means that if you’ve looked in the bathroom mirror lately and noticed that your teeth seem a little duller than usual, chances are, everyone else might notice the same! This can be detrimental to your self-confidence – but this issue isn’t something you have to live with forever. Here’s what you need to know about dental discoloration, along with a few tips that’ll help you keep your teeth as white and bright as possible.
What Causes Teeth to Become Stained?
Sadly, teeth can become stained for several reasons. Some causes are unavoidable – like aging, trauma, medications, genetic factors, or disease. However, other causes, like smoking, diet, and poor oral hygiene, are normally preventable.
Tooth discoloration is normally categorized into two types: extrinsic discoloration, which affects the outer surface of your teeth, and intrinsic discoloration, which starts inside your tooth and affects your dentin, which is found directly underneath the enamel (outer) layer.
Can My Dentist Whiten My Teeth?
There’s perhaps no better way to whiten your teeth than by speaking with a trusted cosmetic dentist. While you may see several types of whitening products at your local grocery store or pharmacy, these options are very weak and unable to deliver the results they promise on their packaging.
However, dentists use professional-grade whitening agents that are suited for dental staining of any nature – not to mention that these treatments are fully tailored to a patient’s specific needs, in addition to being safe, pain-free, and time-tested.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Bright & White
Ultimately, you play the largest role in keeping your teeth bright and free of stains. Some other useful tips for preventing dental discoloration on your own include:
- Practice Diligent Oral Hygiene at Home – Properly brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, in addition to flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash, is good practice for keeping a healthy mouth – and for keeping plaque buildup from darkening your teeth.
- Avoid Stain-Causing Foods – Intensely pigmented foods and beverages such as coffee, red wines and sauces, berries, and more are known to stain teeth. Try not to consume these items daily, and if you do, be sure to rinse your mouth and brush afterward.
- Eat Calcium-Rich Foods – Healthy enamel means the layer of dentin underneath, which is typically yellow in color, doesn’t show. You can strengthen your enamel by consuming dairy products and calcium-rich foods, like milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts, tofu, and most leafy greens.
Your teeth are important; not only do they serve many daily practical purposes, but when they look their best, you’re filled with confidence. That is reason enough to make an effort toward keeping your smile vibrant and picture-ready!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Cole Simpson and Dr. Gregg Vesta, the talented team at Boerne Dental Center has proudly served the dental needs of families in the area for several years, offering a wide range of services, including cosmetic options such as teeth whitening, veneers, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please feel free to reach out online or over the phone for assistance. Telephone: (830) 249-2045.