If you drink coffee, cola, or red wine or eat a diet heavy in foods with bold colors like tomatoes, saffron, or berries, you may be noticing evidence of it on your teeth. Items like these may contain artificial or natural colors or chemical compounds called tannins, which are found in the bark, leaves, and seeds of many plants. These impart a bitter or astringent quality to the food or drink, but unfortunately, they can also leave behind stains and discoloration, too. If you’re seeing the signs of a colorful diet in your smile, here’s what you can do to fix it!
Solutions for Stained Teeth
When it comes to tooth stains, there are a few options for treating them. Brushing and flossing alone may not be enough to restore your teeth to their natural white color. In this case, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening.
All About Professional Whitening
When it comes to your options, there are two ways to get professional results: in-office whitening, or a convenient take-home kit.
- In-Office: This treatment takes about an hour and can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in just one visit.
- Take-home: These kits typically include custom-fitted trays that fit over your teeth. Treatment can be done anywhere; however, it will take a bit longer to get your desired results (about two weeks). One of the benefits of this method is that you can get refills of the whitening chemicals from your dentist for touch ups any time you need them.
In order to qualify for professional treatment, you’ll need to have a consultation with your dentist first. This is to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to withstand the chemicals used without putting you at risk for excessive sensitivity or pain.
What About OTC Whitening?
You may have seen those over-the-counter whitening gels or strips online or in your favorite stores. These are often very inexpensive, but at a cost. For starters, they contain lower concentrations of active ingredients, so treating your teeth with them will take much longer than professional methods. This can end up costing you more in the long run depending on how long it takes to get your desired results. Worse yet, because you are prolonging your exposure to these chemicals, you are subjecting them to an extended risk of sensitivity.
How to Prevent Stains After Professional Whitening
While professional whitening may lift deep stains, it will not prevent future discoloration. Thus, it is important to make some key dietary modifications if you want your results to last, including:
- Avoid drinking dark fluids, including those with tannins
- Eat a “white” diet of foods that are less likely to deposit color on your teeth
- Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day
- Visit your dentist twice a year for your bi-annual exam and cleaning appointments
- Do not smoke, vape, or chew tobacco products
Additionally, be sure to refill your take-home whitening kit as needed, or schedule another professional treatment as needed.
Remember, the foods you eat can take their toll on your teeth, but having a whiter, brighter smile is easier than you think. If you’re tired of dealing with discoloration, schedule a consultation with your dentist and see if you’re a good candidate for professional whitening.
About Our Practice
At Juno Beach Smiles, we know that sometimes your smile can show signs of a life well lived. If you’re tired of discolored teeth from a diet heavy in dark colored food and beverages, speak to Dr. Riley and Dr. Keuning about your professional whitening options.
To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 561-622-7243.