HOW TO PREVENT TOOTH DISCOLORATION AFTER TEETH WHITENING

There are a number of studies on the benefits of smiling. Smiling is said to help increase the release of endorphins, which is a natural painkiller created by the body. Studies show that smiling makes us more attractive and draws people to us.  Many people want their smile to be a great asset to themselves and others. We have different goals for our smile; including a complete set of teeth that are aligned properly and the right shade! Speaking of shade, there is no right shade. But most of us generally prefer to have bright white teeth that are not stained.

                If you have completed a whitening treatment, you may be wondering what you can do to maintain your whiter smile. Here are a few tips to aid in maintaining your whiter smile.

• Avoid consumption of stain causing foods and beverages such as; coffee, tea, wine, sports drinks, berries and tomato sauce. These beverages and foods can cause tooth discoloration.

• Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods.

• Smoking tobacco can cause teeth to become discolored. Eliminating tobacco can help keep your teeth white and healthy. Cigars, tobacco leaves, chewing tobacco, or snuff releases very abrasive particles that can wear down teeth. The erosion or mechanical wear of enamel leaves more dentin showing. And dentin is the yellow layer in teeth.

• When drinking beverages, use a straw to keep stain-causing dyes away from your teeth. Beverages like soda contain sugar that mix with bacteria in the mouth and release acids that break down enamel. The acidic erosion of enamel changes the appearance of our teeth.

• There are drinks with little or no sugar that cause staining also. Rinse with water after any drinks.

• Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque. Using a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to help remove surface stains and prevent yellowing. Use a regular toothpaste the rest of the time.

• Consider touch-up treatments. Depending on the whitening method used, you may need a touch-up every 6 months or after a year or two. If you smoke or drink lots of stain-causing beverages, you may need a touch up more often.

We provide dental care for patients in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Keller.  And would love to be your cosmetic dentist. Contact us at 817 870 5099 to schedule an appointment with your Fort Worth Family Dentist.