The older you get, the harder it can be to keep your teeth looking bright and beautiful. Enamel begins to wear, making your smile more susceptible to discoloration and staining.
While there are a variety of reasons that stains develop, understanding what measures you can take and which habits to avoid can help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile. Below are some of the common reasons teeth become stained.
Dietary Choices
Darkly pigmented foods and drinks, such as blueberries, coffee, and wine cause external discoloration. Excessively consuming sugary and acidic snacks and beverages have an adverse effect on the color of your teeth as well. While many assume this is merely a cosmetic concern, prolonged consumption of these products can also result in decay.
Rinsing with water after having one of these snacks can limit staining and decay. Using a straw when sipping beverages further prevents your smile from losing its luminosity.
Bad Habits
Tobacco use and teeth grinding both play a factor when trying to keep your teeth white. Smoking wreaks havoc on your appearance as much as it negatively affects your overall health. Those who grind their teeth can experience fractures and chips that damage the inner structure and darken the areas beneath the enamel
Quitting smoking has obvious health benefits, but your teeth will no longer be vulnerable to tar and nicotine stains. For those who grind their teeth, getting fitted for a night-guard can alleviate the pressure of clenching and help you avoid further complications.
Improve Your Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening
There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available at the local pharmacy, but for the most effective results, a professional grade product provided by your dentist is the answer. At Ferrara Dental, we offer in-office and take-home professional teeth whitening options. Both products can whiten your teeth by multiple shades with minimal treatment time.
We recommend avoiding any stain-causing foods and habits after receiving this cosmetic treatment. To further benefit a bright smile, practice a thorough oral health routine daily to keep your teeth looking their best.
Schedule an Appointment in Tampa Today
Maintaining or achieving an attractive smile is easily achieved when visiting Ferrara Dental for whitening treatment. Our professional grade products can be applied in the office or taken home for you to lift stains at your convenience. We routinely offer specials on this beneficial cosmetic service, so contact our office today to learn more or schedule an appointment. Dr. Leslie Ferrara and Dr. Maria A. Upshaw see patients from Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Island, and Channelside.