Our smiles wear our mouth’s history for all the world to see, and we have to pay attention to the way in which we maintain ourselves so that past mistakes do not come back to haunt us. Popular beverages like coffee and red wine are some of the most common culprits, but many other seemingly harmless foods can cause problems, as well.
Not only can the things we eat and drink lead to a mouth with undesirable yellow and brown staining, but also nutritional concerns can have effects on your teeth, as well. Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist wants to ensure that you are taking care of the brightness of your teeth, and what we might be able to do to help remedy past issues with whitening!
Could It Be My Diet?
The first place we can look if you are dealing with problems with discoloration is into the things that you eat and drink. Many of our favorite items can cause serious damage to dental tissue. We always think of red wine and coffee, and those certainly can do their harm. But also more innocuous foods such as tomatoes can leave damaging coloration that can last without help.
Tobacco use is also immensely harmful to your smile, and if you use any product such as cigarettes or cigars, or a form of smokeless tobacco such as dip or snus, please stop immediately, if possible. I know it’s one of the hardest things to do in the world, but it is vitally important to your health, all around.
Could It Be Something Else?
Many people struggle with this issue for other reasons, as well. A prime example of this is in the medicines you take, or a medical condition you may have. Some of these can be very taxing on the body, and the immune system can believe it needs to save its resources for the most vital parts of your body. Unfortunately, the mouth often suffers due to this.
Make sure to tell your dentist about your medical history outside of your oral health, as that may also play a factor in keeping your smile fantastic. Patients with certain conditions such as cancer or HIV/AIDS may be more susceptible to discoloration, so it is always best to let your provider know. Diabetes can also play a huge role in the health of your mouth.
I Need Help!
If the condition of your mouth is bothering you, please contact us today so that we may formulate a plan with you to get the most out of your smile. Our office has a same-day whitening procedure, so if we decide to move forward down that path, we can!
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.