Most people aren’t born with perfectly white teeth, and, as we age, it’s completely normal for our teeth to gradually discolor from the foods we consume, the habits we have, and even the medications we take. Fortunately, there are methods to remove discoloration, such as with professional teeth whitening. Whether or not you’ve had teeth whitening, there are a few different ways that you can go about maintaining your teeth’s brightness:
Know Which Foods Cause Discoloration
Certain foods and drinks are known culprits for causing stains. Knowing which ones to look out for is a good way to maintain a white smile. Foods containing tannic acids, such as tea and red wine, are some of the most notorious since the tannins make it easier for stains to stick to the teeth. Acidic foods such as tomatoes weaken enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains. Foods such as blueberries have strong pigments called chromogens that cling to the enamel itself. When you have any combination of acid, tannins, and chromogens in the foods you are eating, you are building a recipe for discoloration.
Rinse & Brush After Eating Foods that Contribute to Staining
It’s very difficult to completely avoid all foods that contain substances that make your teeth yellow, but you can offset some of the effects by rinsing your mouth with plain water immediately after consuming them. Wait about 30 minutes for some of the acidity to subside as your saliva clears things out and then brush your teeth to remove any residue that might still be on your teeth.
Don’t Smoke or Chew Tobacco
Aside from the other negative side effects, tobacco is a major cause of yellow teeth. Smoking and chewing tobacco can have serious repercussions on your oral health and having whiter teeth is only one of the many benefits you’ll experience if you decide to quit.
Get a Professional In-Office Whitening Treatment
Las Cruces Dental Solutions offers professional treatments using concentrated hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent. This in-office procedure provides you with immediate, long-lasting whitening results that can be maintained with take-home whitening kits. Ask us about our Lifetime Whitening Plan that is available for a one-time enrollment fee of $139!
At Las Cruces Dental Solutions, we are passionate about helping you achieve a beautiful smile. If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, give us a call or email us!
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