When you smile at your reflection in the mirror, do you like what you see, or do you find yourself mentally tweaking your smile, wishing it were whiter, brighter, or straighter? Often, trauma to the mouth, years of a coffee habit, or even the aging process alone can change the look of your teeth. When your previously white teeth become dark or discolored, it can cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile.
Dark or stained teeth can be caused by eating or drinking dark foods and beverages. Coffee is a common culprit, but other items such as pasta sauce, red wine, chocolate, and tea can also cause your teeth to become discolored. In addition, habits such as smoking or using smokeless tobacco can give your teeth a yellow tint. Dr. Terry Vines of Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry in Redlands offers the following tips for patients who want to know how they can keep their teeth white:
- Try to avoid foods or beverages that can discolor your teeth. We know it’s hard to kick that coffee habit, so if you can’t eliminate drinks that cause discoloration, try to keep them from coming into contact with the front of your teeth by using a straw. When you do eat or drink foods or beverages with a high tendency to cause discoloration, brush your teeth quickly afterwards or rinse with water or mouthwash.
- Keep your teeth healthy by brushing and flossing. The toothpaste aisle at your local drugstore is full of teeth whitening toothpastes and whitening strips. While these can be effective to a point, many patients are left disappointed with the results. Even worse, they can cause tooth or gum sensitivity if not used properly.
- Stay current with your dental checkups. In addition to providing an opportunity for your dentist to discover potential trouble spots, you also receive a professional cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from areas that regular at-home care simply can’t reach.
- Consider professional teeth whitening options. Unfortunately, tooth discoloration can’t be removed by brushing or avoiding certain foods and beverages. Dr. Vines offers his patients at-home whitening trays and in-office Zoom technology to help them achieve a confident smile.
If you wish to learn more about professional teeth whitening options, call Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry today.