Getting Rid of Gum Disease

A healthy smile is important for everyone, but even a healthy smile can start to look dull if stains appear. Teeth-whitening treatments are available, but there are also many ways you can reduce the risk of stains. If you would like to know more, check out these top three tips for maintaining a bright white smile.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

When particles get stuck to your teeth, they can lead to stains. Normally, brushing and flossing regularly removes these particles before they have time to stain. In a worst-case scenario, tartar builds over the particles, locking them in to continue to stain the teeth. At this point, regular brushing and flossing is no longer enough. You'll need to have the tartar professionally removed to properly clean the enamel again.

Brushing and flossing also reduces the risk of damage to the enamel. Tooth enamel is usually white, but the dentin (the layer of tooth just below the enamel) is naturally yellowish. Therefore, if the enamel starts to wear down, it reveals the yellow dentin, making teeth looked stained. There are special toothpaste and rinses that contain fluoride, which can help strengthen your enamel.

2. Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages

There are some foods and beverages that have a higher risk of staining teeth. These include tea, coffee, red wine, red sauces, sports drinks, berries, and soda. These contain compounds that can stain the enamel. Depending on the color of the food and beverages, you could see your teeth turn yellow, brownish, reddish, etc.

In addition, some foods increase the risk of enamel erosion. These include acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, citrus juices, soda, and wine. Anytime you consume a food that is high in acid, it softens the enamel, which makes it easier to be rubbed or scratched away to reveal the underlying dentin.

3. Don't Use Tobacco Products

One of the worst things you can do for your oral health is use tobacco products. Tobacco products can increase the risk of many oral health concerns like gum disease. However, they can also destroy the color of your teeth with light to dark brown stains.

Regardless of the type of product you use, tobacco products contain nicotine, which can stain teeth. Cigarettes also contain tar, which further stains teeth.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important, but even if you have no oral health problems, your teeth may look unhealthy if they have lots of stains. There are ways you can prevent stains, but luckily, if stains do appear, teeth whitening products are a great choice. To learn more, contact a dentist in your area today.