Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you had a brighter, whiter smile? You are not alone. Getting older often means losing some of that shine. The good news is, however, that it is not gone forever. You can invest in a professional teeth whitening treatment and get rid of all the dull stains. Then you are sure to be showing your smile everywhere you go.
Afraid it won’t last? It may or may not, but that’s up to you.
What Causes Stained Teeth
Stained teeth usually don’t happen overnight. Years of drinking coffee and red wine, for example, can gradually start staining your teeth. Before you know it, they are no longer shades of white, but rather browns and yellows.
Coffee isn’t the only culprit, though. Stained teeth can be the result of certain foods and beverages, poor oral hygiene, bad habits, medications, genetics, age, and more. Below is a more detailed list.
- Smoking and/or chewing tobacco.
- Drinking beverages such as coffee, soda, grape juice, red white, teas, and so forth.
- Acidic foods and those with heavy dyes.
- Certain diseases, medical conditions, and medications.
- Lack of professional dental cleanings.
- Poor oral hygiene - not brushing or flossing regularly.
This list is not exhaustive. A lot of things pass through our lips and come in contact with the enamel on our teeth. Not all of these things are going to be safe.
How Long Teeth Whitening Will Last
The length your teeth whitening treatment will last truly depends on your aftercare. Those things we mentioned above cannot continue if you expect your teeth to stay white. They contributed to the staining before and they will do it again.
Typically, a professional teeth whitening treatment can last up to two to three years. But, without those lifestyle changes, you may begin to see the results fade within a couple of months.
Extend the Life of Your Teeth Whitening Treatment
If you would like to extend the life of your teeth whitening treatment, there are a few things you can do. For one, you may want to talk to your dentist about at-home follow-up treatments. These can help reduce the staining before it gets too bad and help ensure your teeth are staying as white as possible. As soon as you begin to notice a dulling of color, use a touch-up kit.
Second, make positive changes that will impact your oral health -- and your overall health. These include:
- Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Give up your morning cup of joe.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning.
- Make sure you are flossing and brushing regularly.
Pay attention to the foods and drinks you put in your mouth. Limit or avoid those that could possibly stain your teeth or damage your enamel. If you do consume them, be sure to immediately brush your teeth or, at the very least, rinse your mouth well.
Visit Aurora Dental to Learn More About Teeth Whitening
If you are interested in learning more about teeth whitening - or are excited to give it a try - contact Aurora Dental at 330-562-3400 . Be sure to ask about our Whitening for Life program so that you can have a bright smile for as long as you are our patient!