What Habits Can Make Your Teeth Whiter?

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that many people choose to have done. There are a number of ways to achieve teeth whitening, including teeth whitening strips, teeth whitening kits, and teeth whitening toothpaste. However, there are also some habits that you can practice at home in order to help keep your teeth white. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best dental habits that you can adopt in order to achieve brighter teeth!

Why Do Teeth Stain?

Before we get into the dental habits that can help keep your teeth white, it’s important to understand why teeth stain in the first place. There are two main types of tooth staining: extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic staining:

Extrinsic staining occurs when food, drinks, or tobacco products come into contact with the outermost layer of your teeth, known as the enamel. The pigments in these substances can penetrate the enamel and cause staining. This type of stain is  usually surface-level and can be removed with teeth whitening products or professional cleaning.

Intrinsic staining:

Intrinsic staining occurs when the inner structure of your tooth, known as the dentin, becomes stained. This can happen due to certain medications (such as tetracycline antibiotics), excessive fluoride exposure, or even just the natural aging process. Intrinsic staining is usually more difficult to treat than extrinsic staining, and may require professional teeth whitening treatments.

Do Stains Mean Poor Dental Health?

No, not necessarily! Just because your teeth are stained does not mean that you have poor dental health. However, it is important to practice good dental habits in order to maintain the overall health of your mouth. However, if you notice pain, excessive sensitivity, or other changes in your mouth, be sure to visit your dentist right away as these could be signs of a more serious dental issue.

What Are Some Good Dental Habits for Whiter Teeth?

Now that we’ve discussed what can cause staining, let’s talk about some good habits that can help keep your teeth white.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene:

The best way to prevent staining is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. These habits will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, which can lead to staining.

2. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks:

There are certain foods and drinks that are more likely to cause staining. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables. If you’re looking to maintain brighter teeth, it’s best to avoid these.

3. Use a Whitening Toothpaste:

There are many different types of toothpaste on the market, including whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can help remove surface-level stains from your teeth.

4. Drink Water:

Water is good for your overall health, but it’s also great for your teeth! Drinking water after meals can help rinse away any food or drink particles that may be stuck on your teeth. It’s also a good idea to drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated.

5. Quit Smoking:

Smoking is one of the leading causes of tooth staining. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can penetrate the enamel and cause discoloration. If you’re looking to achieve brighter teeth, quitting smoking is a great place to start.

These are just a few dental habits that you can adopt in order to achieve brighter teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, you may also want to consider professional teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to remove deep-set stains from your teeth. At our office, we offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options.

In-office:

Dentist-supervised treatments provide greater tooth whitening results faster than store bought kits. It is also important to involve your dentist to ensure that your gums and supporting bone structure are healthy enough for teeth whitening. At Stonebrook Family Dental you can choose between a 45-minute, in-office treatment or we can create custom whitening trays that you can use in the comfort of your own home. Some patients choose a combination approach. They do the in-office treatment, whitening their teeth 5-10 shades, and then take home custom trays with prescription-strength gel to use when the occasion calls for a little extra whitening power.

At-home:

If you’re looking for a more convenient teeth whitening option, we also offer take-home kits. If you want to achieve significant teeth whitening results in the comfort of your own home our custom trays and UltraDent™ whitening gel are the perfect solution. The take-home whitening system is the preferred choice for many patients because:

• Custom-made mouthpiece fits perfectly and can be worn day or night
• UltraDent gel secures your mouthpiece to your teeth so you get uniform results
• Potassium nitrate and fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, decreases tooth sensitivity, and prevents dehydration
• At-home teeth whitening is a comfortable and can be used whenever you have free time

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

Achieving brighter teeth doesn’t have to be difficult. With the help of a professional, you can achieve your desired results in no time. If you’re interested in learning more about teeth whitening or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment, contact Stonebrook Family Dental today.