White teeth are associated with beauty, increased confidence, and a healthy lifestyle. However, smoking and chewing tobacco, drinking black tea or coffee and wine, using medications such as tetracycline, swallowing too much fluoride, and aging can cause your teeth to become stained.
Teeth whitening or bleaching involves the use of simple and non-invasive treatments designed to change the color of your natural tooth enamel to give you a dazzling smile. Having white teeth is the leading aesthetic concern for most dental patients. Fortunately, there are multiple ways – including home and in-office – to whiten teeth, with varying degrees of effectiveness.
Reasons to Consider Teeth Whitening
Some of the reasons why people consider teeth whitening include:
- To improve their smile
- To increase their confidence
- To prevent discoloration from worsening
Teeth whitening can be used to stop the progression of tooth discoloration, especially in combination with lifestyle adjustments
Since improving your smile is an investment, the last thing you want to see are signs of discoloration on your pearly whites coming up only a few months after treatment. To maintain your newly achieved bright smile, you should:
- Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks – Many colored foods and drinks can stain your white teeth. So, reduce or avoid your intake of tomatoes, berries, grape juice, red wine, coffee, tea, sports drinks, cola, and grape juice.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking – Every time you indulge in items that can stain your mouth, it is important that you rinse your mouth with clean water right after. Swishing a little water after eating or drinking can help reduce staining.
- Stop smoking – Smoking is not only bad for your health, but also your teeth. The nicotine, tar, and tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes will stain your teeth.
- Practice proper oral hygiene – Daily brushing, at least every morning after breakfast and at night before bed, and daily flossing will help remove food debris and plaque, and keep your mouth clean and stain-free.
Final Note
Tooth bleaching only works for natural teeth, and the results don’t last forever. Artificial dental treatments, including crowns, fillings, and veneers are resistant to stains, which means that these won’t respond to the whitening agents. Moreover, you need a touch-up every year or sooner – as advised by your dentist – depending on your diet and lifestyle to maintain your bright smile
Please schedule your consultation today to discuss ways to improve your smile.
