It is natural for teeth to discolor over time. If you have noticed that your smile has lost its luster, a general dentist can help. For effective and long-lasting results, get personalized advice and treatment from the dentist in-office. However, there are general steps you can take to improve the whiteness of your smile. Below are some tips to help prevent teeth staining and, should it happen, to combat it.
One of the most effective ways to prevent tooth discoloration, or staining, is to avoid beverages that stain the teeth. Coffee, black tea, and red wine are common drinks to avoid while trying to brighten a smile. Other teeth-staining drinks include fruit juice, dark sodas, and energy drinks.
If one does not want to cut out these beverages completely, limiting them can help. For example, adding 2% milk to tea can even reduce its effectiveness in staining teeth, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.
Tobacco has long been known to stain teeth, whether smoked or chewed. The nicotine and tar in tobacco products can easily yellow the tooth's surface (enamel). Maintaining a bright smile is another reason to quit smoking.
Good dental hygiene is the foundation of good oral health and solves several different oral health problems. It is possible to prevent staining with regular brushing and flossing. By brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day, patients can provide constant protection against bacteria. Try rinsing with mouthwash at least once daily after brushing for additional protection.
Remember to also visit a dentist every six months for teeth cleaning. The dentist can clean stains to prevent further discoloration. They may also polish out minor stains, reversing the discoloration altogether.
A general dentist may recommend professional teeth whitening if the discoloration is too severe to be polished out. This procedure is a nonsurgical method performed in the dental office. Various professional teeth whitening products, such as hydrogen peroxide solutions and highly concentrated whiteners, are available. The dentist will help the patient choose one that suits their needs. They may also recommend at-home whitening trays so the patient can do their treatment outside of the dental office.
Other dental solutions for stained teeth include dental bonding, crowns, and veneers. Dental bonding is a composite resin material often used to fill cavities (tooth decay). Bonding matches the shade of the other teeth, allowing it to blend in.
Dental crowns are toothlike caps placed on top of damaged teeth. A general dentist may recommend a crown if a tooth is severely decayed and stained. There are many types, such as those made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Dental veneers are thin shells that fit over imperfect teeth. Like bonding and crowns, dental veneers blend in with the rest of the patient's natural teeth. Ask a dentist if these solutions could help the patient's discolored teeth.
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