One day you look in the mirror and notice that your smile isn’t quite as white as it used to be. Your first thought may be to blame coffee, soda, red wine, and other beverages and foods that can leave behind a dark or yellow tinge.
However, the truth is that stains and residue left behind by food and drinks are effectively cleared away by daily brushing and regular professional dental cleanings. In most cases, the cause of yellowing teeth is something a little deeper.
Causes Behind Tooth Discoloration
We hear a lot of talk about tooth enamel and how it impacts the look of our smile, but the layer under the enamel, known as dentin, is just as important.
Dentin itself is yellow, and as your enamel layer naturally wears down over time due to aging and normal wear and tear, that yellow becomes more and more visible. The degree to which your teeth appear yellow is largely due to genetics, which determines the color of your dentin and the thickness of your enamel.
How a Professional Tooth Whitening Treatment Can Help
Although teeth are not meant to be bright white, teeth that look dull, dingy, or yellow can be a source of self-consciousness. While a good oral hygiene regimen that includes daily brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups can keep your teeth in good shape, effectively whitening your smile requires a professional treatment.
A professional treatment can brighten the overall look of your smile and improve your confidence. Your dentist can customize a treatment to achieve the level of whiteness you desire and at your own pace. It usually involves custom trays, whitening gels, and in-office treatments.
Maintaining Your Results
After your tooth whitening treatment, there are several things you can do to ensure that your smile remains bright and stain-free:
Avoid the worst of the tooth-staining foods, including turmeric, soy sauce, and vinegar. If you can’t eliminate these foods from your diet, you can protect your smile by eating a small piece of cheese first to coat your teeth.
Eliminate or limit acidic drinks that can cause stains, including coffee, tea, and red wine.
Swish some water around your mouth after every meal to rinse away residue before it has a chance to cause stains.
Book Your Teeth Whitening Treatment
Are you ready to brighten your smile? Interested in other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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