The dentists at Northeast Family Dental in Lincoln offer at-home and in-office teeth whitening as part of their cosmetic dental services. They change stained, yellowed tooth enamel back into dazzling smiles. Maintain that revitalized look with the basic care strategies outlined below.
Teeth Stain Over Time
Tooth enamel darkens over the years. While it is a mesh-like matrix of hard minerals, enamel also contains softer organic materials which pick up and retain stains from what we put into our mouths–cigarette smoke, coffee, colas, soy sauce and more.
Discolored smiles usually appear very yellow, although grey, tan and brown show up, too. While aging thins tooth enamel and uncovers yellow dentin (the structural layer right under enamel), food and beverage choices are major culprits in changing the shade of our teeth. Lack of adequate brushing and flossing contributes to plaque and tartar which also darken smiles.
Diet and Tooth Color
Drs. Reichenbach, Killeen, and Wenninghoff tell patients to choose their food and beverages carefully. When consumed often, some choices change the color of tooth enamel. For example, these everyday foods can stain your teeth:
- Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Apples
- Red wine
- White wine (because of its acidity)
- Black tea (richly pigmented AND acidic)
- Coffee
- Colas and root beer
- Tomatoes and citrus fruits (again, acid is the problem)
- Sports drinks (high amounts of artificial colors)
In general, the darker or more acidic a food is, the more it will stain teeth. Yes, a lot of the choices listed above have good nutritional value, but they must be consumed with caution because of the potential for staining.
Other Causes
Smoking and chewing tobacco yellow teeth by several shades. Drugs such as tetracycline and some antihistamines darken teeth, as well as radiation and other treatments for cancer.
Improve Your Smile Aesthetics
People can be so embarrassed by their teeth they can’t smile broadly or laugh in public. This changes how other perceive them and even how they think about themselves. What will prevent stains, and if you get professional teeth whitening in Lincoln, how can you retain that renewed appearance?
First off, brush twice daily, and floss once a day. Choose a fluoride toothpaste with whitening properties, and drink plenty of water daily to stimulate your saliva and its antimicrobial enzymes.
Also, come to Northeast Family Dental twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that you miss or cannot reach with toothbrush and floss alone.
Additionally, look at your diet. Can drink less coffee or soft drinks and more plain water? Enjoy soy sauce or other dark foods, but rinse your mouth and brush as soon as you can. Don’t eat dark foods every day, but limit them.
Finally, quit smoking. Yellow teeth are the least of your concerns if you smoke. Talk to your primary care physician about a supervised smoking cessation program.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Your dentists in Lincoln deliver in-office and at-home teeth whitening. Older teens and adults with healthy teeth and gums qualify for the affordable and effective aesthetic service.
At-home whitening uses professional strength hydrogen peroxide gel in custom-fitted trays. Worn for a prescribed time daily, this system powers out stains gradually over a week or so.
In-office whitening uses a more powerful gel. The dentist swabs it on, protecting the lips and gums to reduce sensitivity. In about an hour, teeth are whiter by several shades. With touch-ups, good home hygiene and professional cleanings, teeth remain white indefinitely. The same precautions for preventing stains apply to keeping smiles bright after whitening.
Achieving Your Best-looking Smile
Simple strategies and professional teeth whitening create and maintain that perfect smile. For a cosmetic dentistry consultation, please contact Northeast Family Dental.