Do you worry about the color of your teeth? You’ve tried every teeth whitening product on the market, but they never seem to make much of a difference. Over time, a variety of factors can contribute to stains. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid additional discoloration, as well as treatment options to reverse years of staining. Your dentist in Lakewood shares more about how to get the white, picture perfect teeth you’ve been wanting.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
There are several reasons that your teeth can undergo staining. Here are the most common:
- Food and beverages: There are many different foods and drinks that have been known to cause tooth discoloration and staining. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, dark colored sodas, and certain fruits and vegetables.
- Tobacco: Products like chewing tobacco and cigarettes contribute to discolored teeth.
- Medical treatments: Certain medications and medical treatments affect the coloration of the teeth. They can include high blood pressure medications, chemotherapy, antihistamines, and certain antipsychotic medications.
- Diseases: Trauma and illnesses may contribute to staining of the teeth. This is especially true for children whose teeth are still developing.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Inadequate brushing or flossing can lead to tooth discoloration.
How Can I Avoid Stained Teeth?
By following these recommendations, you can lower the probability of further discoloration of the enamel.
- Brush teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes twice a day.
- Floss once a day.
- Use a fluoride-based mouthwash daily. This method is not recommended for children under the age of 6.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings.
- Use a straw when drinking beverages other than water.
- Avoid using tobacco products.
- Eat green, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach.
- Choose high fiber fruits like apples, plums, and pears.
How Can My Dentist Help?
A variety of treatments are available for people who want to be more confident about their smile. Many of them involve reducing discoloration of the teeth. They include:
- Porcelain veneers: These are extremely thin ceramic covering designed to cover cracks, chips, gaps, and stains.
- Dental bonding: Using a color-matched composite resin, your dentist is able to cover discoloration, making it seamlessly disappear. Bonding is a great option if you’re looking to cover a minor stain.
- At-home teeth whitening: Your dentist can give you a custom-made whitening kit that works better than what you can find in stores. It consists of mouth trays specially designed for your teeth as well as a highly concentrated bleaching gel. By following the directions of your dentist, you can get the results you’re looking for.
- In-practice teeth whitening: By going into the office for teeth whitening treatment, you can see results after just one appointment! Your dentist will apply a protective barrier to your lips and gums to reduce the risk of irritation to your soft tissues. A whitening agent is placed on your teeth and a special light is used to activate the whitening molecules.
Nobody wants stained teeth. By taking these factors into consideration and talking to your dentist about teeth whitening in Lakewood, you’ll have the beautiful, white teeth that you’ve always wanted!
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino is a cosmetic dentist who practices at Lakewood Complete Dentistry. He prioritizes giving each patient a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. He provides an array of services, including teeth whitening. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (303) 238-2800.