Keeping your teeth sparkling white isn't always so easy. Fortunately, the dentists at Apple Valley Dental in Apple Valley, CA, can help you renew your smile with teeth whitening.
How your smile becomes dull
Spilling coffee, cola or red wine on a white tablecloth or shirt tends to leave behind stains, no matter how carefully you clean the fabric. The same thing happens to your teeth when you eat or drink foods that contain dark pigments. Every time you take a bite or sip of one of these foods or beverages, some of the pigments seep into microscopic pores in your tooth enamel, dulling your smile. Using tobacco products also causes stains in tooth enamel.
Foods and beverages that may increase your risk of stains include tea, coffee, wine, soft drinks, berries, ice pops, candy, sports drinks, soy sauce, fruit juice, tomato sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
Whitening helps you keep your smile bright
Brushing your teeth is an excellent way to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Twice-daily brushing can remove surface stains from your teeth but won't get rid of the stain-causing pigments in your enamel. No matter how often you brush, your smile will remain dull if pigments remain lodged in your tooth enamel.
Fortunately, teeth whitening offered in the Apple Valley dental office provides a simple solution. Professional-strength hydrogen peroxide whitening gel penetrates the tiny pores in your enamel and breaks apart the pigments that cause stains. A whitening session only takes about an hour, yet can drastically improve your appearance. Most people notice a three- to eight-shade difference in their smiles after just one whitening appointment. Whitening results usually last several years.
How you can keep your smile bright after whitening
Limiting stain-causing foods can help you avoid new stains. If you can't imagine giving up coffee, tea or cola, drinking these beverages through a straw may reduce staining.
Your dentist can also provide you with a take-home whitening kit. If you notice that your teeth have become a little dull, using the kit will help you touch up your smile.
Are you ready to get rid of your dental stains with teeth whitening? Call the Apple Valley, CA, dentists at Apple Valley Dental at (760) 247-6007 to schedule an appointment.