Discoloration could occur for a number of reasons, and unfortunately, you cannot receive professional teeth whitening from your Tucson, AZ, dentist at the moment. However! That doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to help protect the health of your smile until you can see us again for cosmetic treatments.

The Common Causes of Stained Teeth

What causes teeth to become stained anyway? Multiple factors could lead to discoloration, such as the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products, or consuming drinks with dark pigments and tannins, like soda, red wine, coffee, and tea. When we don’t brush and floss properly, and eat a diet high in sugar and starch, this could promote plaque buildup. As the teeth become coated in plaque, stains become more visible. In addition, the risks of tooth decay and gum disease elevate as well. As you can see, making a few simply changes to your daily routine could help control discoloration until we can once again offer cosmetic treatment.

Homecare and Better Diet Options

You should start each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste, and then do so again before going to sleep at night. We also suggest flossing in between each and every tooth to remove what a toothbrush cannot reach. These actions remove food particles and reduce the risk of severe plaque buildup. We also suggest you quit using tobacco products, which also reduces your cancer risk in addition to keeping smiles bright. Try to avoid beverages with dark pigments, and if you do enjoy one or two, then rinse with a glass of water afterward. Also, be sure you lower your consumption of sugary and starchy items, and add more fresh fruits and veggies to your diet, as they’re not only delicious, but they help remove plaque as you consume them.

What About Over-The-Counter Treatments?

Often, whitening toothpastes offer results, but they also use abrasive agents to remove stains, so they could end up inadvertently damaging your protective layer of tooth enamel. Whitening strips are also effective, but have been linked to tooth sensitivity. Be wary of store-bought options that make big promises, and instead focus on improving your oral hygiene and snack options! If you have any questions about cosmetic dental care, then contact our team today. We look forward to helping you enjoy a brighter smile someday soon.

Do You Have Questions About Your Smile’s Beauty?

At our Tucson, AZ, dentist’s office, we want to help you and your family keep smiles bright and beautiful. If you have questions about maintaining your smile’s brightness, contact us today to schedule a visit by calling our office at 520-296-5439.