A bright and healthy smile boosts your confidence and reflects good oral hygiene and overall health. However, teeth stains can be a common issue for many people. Fortunately, with proper care and knowledge, you can prevent these stains and keep your teeth looking their best. Regular dental cleanings also play a vital role in maintaining optimal oral health. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist explains the causes of teeth stains, effective stain prevention techniques, and the importance of dental cleanings.
What Causes Teeth Stains?
Certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can result in tooth discoloration over time. These items contain pigmented molecules that adhere to the natural enamel of your teeth. Smoking or chewing tobacco not only harms overall health but also stains teeth. Tobacco products contain chemicals that can cause deep and stubborn stains.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar, which can contribute to teeth discoloration. If you neglect flossing, you will notice yellow staining between the teeth. Certain bacteria will cause yellow, orange, or green staining as well. Neglecting oral hygiene practices allows stains to penetrate more deeply into your tooth enamel making them extremely hard to remove on your own.
The Aging Process
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel naturally wears away, exposing the yellowish dentin layer beneath. This can make teeth appear dull and yellow over time even with the best oral hygiene. Thankfully, professional whitening procedures can often brighten these stains. If they cannot whiten to your satisfaction, we can discuss other cosmetic options to help you reach your smile goals.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings include professional teeth cleaning that removes plaque and calculus buildup that cannot be eliminated by regular brushing. Dental cleanings involve polishing your teeth, which removes surface stains and helps restore their natural brightness. Your dentist can also offer whitening treatments to enhance the appearance of your teeth.
Custom Whitening Treatments
We offer teeth-whitening which will break up the stain deposits on your tooth enamel and oxidize the main tooth structure underneath it. For the most optimal results, we offer a custom-designed kit that includes custom-fit trays that are comfortable and slip-free. They allow you to apply the professional-strength whitening gel to the surfaces of your teeth effectively and from the convenience of home.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
Keeping your teeth bright and healthy requires consistent effort and proper oral care. Remember, a beautiful smile begins with healthy teeth! To schedule a visit today so we can discuss your whitening options, please reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
