Tooth enamel stains because of what you put into your mouth. The Norwalk dentists at Sommers Family Dentistry teach how to be proactive about keeping teeth bright.
Project your best self
Wouldn’t you like a vibrant smile? The National Academy of Sciences say a beautiful smile helps conveys attractiveness and approachability in social and professional situations. Your Norwalk dentists, Dr. Norman C. Sommers and Dr. Adam P. Sommers, help patients of all ages have brighter smiles, informing them on the causes of yellowing teeth and how to prevent and treat this aesthetic dental issue.
Stains get in the way
Unfortunately, the things we put in our mouths yellow, darken and spoil the tooth color we come by naturally. Extrinsic staining, as dentists call it, often results from neglected dental hygiene, and regular at-home brushing and flossing, along with professional cleanings semi-annually at Sommers Family Dentistry, may correct it. Sticky plaque not only holds bacteria, but it holds stains, too.
The team at Sommers Family Dentistry say other interventions prevent yellowing of tooth enamel. Smoking cessation is at the top of the list. Smoking and chewing tobacco are known for creating yellow to brown spots on the front teeth, right in what dental professionals call the “smile zone.”
Diet stains teeth as well, but the foods and beverages that yellow teeth aren’t necessarily bad for you. They simply have very deep pigmentation that penetrates the topmost layer of teeth. Other foods have a high acid content and soften tooth enamel. Soft enamel discolors easily.
What to limit
Your Norwalk dentists suggest limiting several menu items:
- Red wine, rich in dark molecules called chromogens
- Blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries
- Black tea which contains staining substances called tannins
- Coffee, colas and sports drinks
- Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, because they soften enamel
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Hard candies with all their artificial colors
- While patients cannot avoid many of these foods, the team at Sommers Family Dentistry recommend ways to lessen discoloration that may result:
- Drink dark beverages, such as iced iced, with a straw. Rinse with water, or brush as soon as possible.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a good fluoride toothpaste. Whitening ingredients are not essential. Floss in between teeth and at the gumline to remove plaque that yellows teeth.
- Rinse with water after meals when you cannot brush. Drinking more water revs up your metabolism and removes toxins. It washes tooth surfaces and increases saliva and its beneficial enzymes.
- Eat fibrous vegetables and fruits. Hard cheeses and other dairy items, paired with acidic foods, reduce their damaging effects.
Norwalk teeth whitening
Your Norwalk dentists deliver professional teeth whitening treatments in both at-home and in-office versions. They employ concentrated carbamide peroxide that powers out yellowing stains safely via custom-fit trays for use at home. Or, opt for in-office whitening at Sommers Family Dentistry for dramatic color change in just about an hour.
Can you keep your teeth from yellowing? Sure, you can, particularly when you enlist the help of the friendly team at Sommers Family Dentistry. Contact the office today for a consultation on your aesthetic dental needs.
