The holiday party season is coming soon; are you considering teeth whitening? Here’s some of the things that can discolor your teeth and advice on getting those pearly whites to sparkle!
Many things can discolor your teeth; coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarettes are the most common, but few people know that berries, tomatoes, curry, balsamic vinegar, soda and sports drinks are also discoloring. Additionally eating foods such as lemons, limes, pickles, and vinegar can, because of their acidity, cause discoloration and even encourage further staining from foods.
There are many things you can do to lessen the impact of these foods; sip your drinks through a straw and brush your teeth immediately after meals or if that option is unavailable – rinse your mouth with plain water and brush as soon as you are able. Eating dark green veggies, such as broccoli, kale, & spinach forms a protective coating on your teeth, so order a green salad before your meal.
Inevitably, no matter how careful you are, teeth will become less white over time. You can use a whitening toothpaste to hold that off as long as possible, but when the time comes for a real teeth whitening make sure you have it done professionally.
Home teeth whitening kits can actually damage your teeth. Yes, your smile will be pearly white for a short time, but the harsh abrasives and/or chemicals can remove the protective enamel and leave your teeth not only more likely to discolor quickly, but can also make them sensitive to heat and cold.
The best methods are done either in your dentist’s office, or under their direct supervision. There are several options; in office whitening which takes about 45-60 minutes. This involves the carefully controlled use of a high-concentration peroxide gel. Another option is professional teeth whitening strips. These can also be used to continue the upkeep after an in office treatment. Talk to your dentist about the best options for your whitening needs.
Visit Dr. Bruce Freund, DDS for more information about teeth whitening and for our September teeth whitening special – 50% off in-office whitening when scheduled with your regular cleaning (see below). Can also be combined with our new patient special which includes cleaning, a check-up, x-rays, & oral cancer screening. All for just $125.
