SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
The first thing others notice about us is usually our smile. Do you find yourself feeling self-conscious about your smile because your teeth are dull or discolored? Do you hide your smile when meeting someone or in photographs with friends and family?
Teeth staining is not always a sign of poor oral hygiene — far from it! Our teeth can become discolored over time due to age and what we eat and drink in our diet, such as coffee, tea, red wine and dark sodas.
Fortunately, teeth staining can usually be corrected with a regime that includes strong oral hygiene practices at home — and perhaps a little help from your dentist.
If you’re looking for ways to brighten your smile, you’re in luck! Our Santa Cruz dentists compiled a list of ways to whiten and brighten your smile. Read on for more!
Maintain a strong oral hygiene routine
Be sure you’re brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day — preferably after breakfast and again before bed. You can also brush mid-day for an extra whitening boost. Floss once daily. And be sure to visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings.
Use whitening toothpaste
When you brush, use toothpaste that contains a whitening agent. But don’t brush right after eating to avoid brushing stains into the tooth’s surface. If brushing soon after eating, rinse first, then brush.
Use an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are more effective than normal toothbrushes at ridding teeth of potentially staining food particles and liquids.
Use a straw
A straw helps liquid bypass the teeth, limiting the teeth’s exposure to the staining liquid.
Rinse
After enjoying any of the common causes of teeth staining, simply rinse your mouth with water two or three times.
Chew sugarless gum
Sugar-free gum, especially those containing xylitol as a sugar alternative, stimulates saliva production, helping wash away any liquids from the mouth that can cause teeth staining.
Following these tips will help prevent teeth discoloration. But sometimes, because of age and despite our best efforts, our teeth will become discolored. In that case, our Scotts Valley dentists who specialize in teeth whitening can help.
Professional teeth whitening
It’s no surprise that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. A cosmetic dentist uses a far more powerful whitening gel than what is carried in stores, and a professional dental team will protect your gums from burning, unlike a store-bought whitening treatment.
COSMETIC DENTISTS IN LOS GATOS, SCOTTS VALLEY, AND SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
Sometimes our teeth become discolored over time. It’s natural and not necessarily a reflection of poor dental hygiene practices. If you’re curious about teeth whitening, or if you’re ready to take the plunge to brighten and whiten your smile, contact our cosmetic dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 824-5111 or reaching us online today!
