Lately, have you noticed that your teeth no longer look pearly white? Instead, are they riddled with deep stains, or noticeable yellowing, that is causing them to look much older than you are and certainly a great deal older than you feel? Tooth stains can cause a great deal of embarrassment and even frustration. In some cases, deep discoloration can even be a warning sign of a dental problem, like a cavity. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry makes it possible to address most dental stains with wonderful whitening results. Better yet, though, preventive and restorative dentistry make it possible to help protect the smile from future discoloration, and to restore the smile when it has become stained due to a dental problem.
Tooth Enamel Is Porous
The teeth’s enamel is incredibly strong. It’s one of the strongest substances on earth actually. That said, because of its porous nature, it can begin to look discolored over time. It is also susceptible to acidic erosion, which can be heightened by a diet high in sugar, poor dental hygiene at-home, or a lack of proper preventive dental visits. To help protect your smile, it can be beneficial to brush your teeth at least twice a day, to floss daily as well, and to attend regular dental cleanings.
Limiting your teeth’s exposure to sugar and acidic beverages is also a great way to avoid future staining, as is avoiding tobacco products, which can quickly discolor teeth.
If the cause of your teeth stains is due to a dental problem like a cavity, the dentist might recommend restorative treatment like a dental filling or porcelain dental crown to help address the issue both functionally and cosmetically.
Brighten Your Smile with Professional Whitening
If you are hoping to achieve a brighter smile quickly, consider professional teeth whitening, which is often able to lighten teeth by several shades. Many cosmetic dentists offer both in-office and take-home options, meant to suit most every budget and timeframe for treatment. Both can help to lighten the teeth dramatically, allowing for renewed confidence.
