Maintaining White Teeth

One of the most popular cosmetic treatments in dentistry today is whitening. A single whitening treatment by our Los Angeles cosmetic dentist can leave your teeth brighter and several shades whiter, but regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are necessary to maintain that newly freshened color. Many lifestyle habits can deposit unwanted stains on your teeth that simple cleaning may not be able to remove.

Eating brightly or deeply colored foods that can stain clothes may also stain your newly whitened teeth. Berries, cherries, grapes, pomegranates, curries, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces are all common culprits, as are artificially colored candies and gum.

Drinks not only stain teeth, they can also make teeth more susceptible to staining. Red and white wines, teas and coffee, carbonated beverages, and sports drinks are all linked to staining. Drinks with a high acid content are particularly damaging to teeth as they can soften enamel and increase the likelihood of decay as well.

Smoking is another prime offender in staining teeth. The tar from cigarettes can leave a deep yellow or brown stain on teeth that is difficult to get rid of with regular brushing. The only way to prevent the staining from reappearing after a professional whitening treatment is by not smoking or using tobacco products.

It may not be possible to remove all staining habits from your life, but you can protect your teeth and help maintain a whiter, brighter smile for longer between treatments. Brushing after every meal and daily flossing keeps teeth healthy, while rinsing with water after drinking certain beverages can help prevent staining. When teeth begin to lose their luster or appear stained, talk to our Los Angeles dentist about your whitening options.

Source: Los Angeles Dentist

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