Patients of all ages report consistently that they wish their smile was a little bit brighter. This is a very common concern, and one that is also completely understandable. After all, we only have one full adult set of teeth. After years of usage, it can be difficult to avoid stains. We are constantly consuming things, washing colors over our enamel throughout the day.
While we may try to eat healthy and avoid artificial coloring, even natural foods are full of staining materials. Plants make their fruits colorful to gather the attention of animals (like us). While that can make for a fantastic photo and an appealing dinner, the remnants can last in our mouths for years to come. Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist lets you know some tips on avoiding stains. As well, we will discuss our ways of gently removing them by lifting them out of the enamel!
Long-Term Effort
One of the most important things you can do to protect your oral health is to be sure to take the necessary steps that build into a broad strength. While we may feel that we can skip brushing occasionally, these smaller decisions made in the moment can add up to a big difference.
For instance, most people ignore flossing, and this small activity can save your mouth in the long run. If you can make your oral health regimen into a desired part of your day, you have a higher likelihood of being able to avoid stains, even if you enjoy some of the more dangerous foods.
Perhaps you are a fan of red wine or coffee. Traditional wisdom is that you should avoid consuming these things for the health of your smile. These liquids are highly staining and they also tend to sit in the mouth for hours before cleaning. If you keep an alcohol-free oral rinse with you during these times, you can be sure to wash away the excess that stays on your enamel.
Remove Existing Stains
If staining has already taken hold within your smile, you might be wondering what the best method there is to remove them. As always, you should discuss this with a trained oral health professional before you dive into any dental procedure. This even includes over the counter whitening procedures. This is because excessive bleaching can weaken the enamel and leave you more susceptible to tooth sensitivity.
Our goal is to always keep your health at the top of our list, so ensuring that we safely and appropriately whiten your teeth is vital. Your lasting wellbeing is worth taking extra precautions. With that said, time is not an issue when it comes to this procedure, and can often be performed on the same day as an examination and cleaning!
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
