Your teeth may begin to darken for a variety of reasons. Any number of factors from aging to genetics to poor dental hygiene to tobacco use can cause your teeth to start showing a yellowish tint. One huge factor in your teeth losing their bright, white look is your diet. Take a look at this list of foods and beverages that can stain your teeth.
Beverages….Coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, fruit juices, sports drinks
Foods…Tomato sauces, curry, berries, beetroot, soy sauce, black walnuts, hard candy, popsicles
Strategies to Maintain a Bright Smile
Avoiding mass consumption of food and beverages known to stain your teeth is a good step to maintaining your white teeth but there are other maintenance practices you can start too! First and foremost, good oral hygiene is the best thing you can do to maintain your smile. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using antiseptic mouthwash daily. Drinking dark beverages through a straw can reduce contact with your enamel. Regular dental check-ups are vital throughout your journey to a white smile so your dentist can provide recommendations and ensure you aren’t doing any damage to your teeth.
Don’t Upset your Dentist
As you try to search for all possible ways to brighten your smile, your search may take you to the internet where you will find all kinds of suggestions. Some of these are good, but others may damage your enamel! For example, charcoal toothpaste is a newly popular item, however; it doesn’t reach stains below the enamel, doesn’t contain fluoride and hasn’t been studied enough to understand its long-term effects. Additionally, charcoal by nature is abrasive and can damage your natural enamel.
Whitening Products: Opalescence
Opalescence is the global leader in professional teeth whitening. With options that allow you to whiten at home, on the go or at your dentist’s office, Opalescence has teeth whitening solutions for everyone! Opalescence is so special because it contains potassium nitrate and fluoride which prevent the extreme sensitivity that comes with other whitening solutions.
Whitening at High Point Dentistry
High Point Dentistry offers two superior methods of teeth whitening. We offer an at-home method with Opalescence GO which comes with pre-loaded whitening trays. This method is great for maintenance and slight, incremental improvements. We also, offer an in-office treatment for more drastic results through Opalescence called Opalescence BOOST for professional in-office teeth whitening.
