A white smile appears young and healthy. Unfortunately, all of us are susceptible to developing dental discoloration over time. While there is no way to completely avoid aesthetic changes to your smile, there are things that you can do to minimize dental staining and discoloration. In today’s short article our Orland Park cosmetic dentists are reviewing some of them; let’s get started!
- Follow all of your dentist’s at-home oral hygiene recommendations
Brushing and flossing as directed by your dental team will help you maintain an attractive and healthy smile. Remember, plaque and bacteria weaken your teeth and make them more porous; meaning that your teeth are more susceptible to thinning and taking on stains.
- Keep up with professional cleanings
Undergoing semi-annual cleanings allows our team to refresh your smile regularly and can slow the rate at which your dental enamel thins and weakens. Additionally, when plaque builds up it can look yellow or brown on your smile, especially in those spots where your teeth meet your gum tissue.
- Limit discoloring foods and drinks
Substances like coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, red sauces, chocolate, and more can all leave color deposits on your teeth over time. Try to limit your consumption of these staining things, and, when do you indulge, do so in a short period of time, rather than continuously throughout the day.
- Rinse your smile regularly
Something as simple as rinsing your smile with water throughout the day can make a big difference over time. Rinsing your mouth not only clears away dental debris, it also helps to prompt saliva production, which re-mineralizes enamel.
- Use a whitening toothpaste
Talk to your dentist about whether you can incorporate a whitening toothpaste into your daily routine. This can be a simple, gentle, and automatic way to stay on top of discoloration.
If you are already dealing with discoloration, our Tinley Park teeth whitening dentists provide effective treatments that deliver results quickly. Please feel free to give our dental team a call to get more information and to schedule your personal consultation. We are here to help you love your smile!