Why bright teeth fade
If your teeth look duller than they used to, nothing has gone wrong. Teeth pick up stains gradually, and stains are the most common reason a smile darkens over time. Everyday foods and drinks do most of it, and some medications can cause intrinsic stains, the kind that form inside the tooth rather than on its surface.
The encouraging part is that surface staining responds to habits. Whether you have recently whitened your teeth and want to protect the result, or you are simply trying to hold on to the shade you have, a few small routines carry most of the load.
Five habits that keep a white smile white
Professional whitening does its work in the chair. These habits do theirs at home, every day after.
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Watch your diet. Red wine, coffee, tea, and soda are the usual suspects behind stained teeth. Do your best to keep them to a minimum, especially in the weeks after a whitening treatment.
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Follow staining foods with water. When you do have something with staining potential, drink some water right away. It washes away a portion of the food particles that would otherwise settle on your teeth.
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Use an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush cleans thoroughly, and the fast rotation of the head also polishes the surface of your teeth, which helps remove stains.
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Keep up daily hygiene. Plaque buildup dulls teeth all on its own. Brushing and flossing every day keeps the surface clean so your teeth stay looking white.
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Choose professional whitening when you need a reset. Over-the-counter kits can be a waste of money. Some do very little, and some can damage your teeth. When habits alone are no longer enough, professional teeth whitening uses products that are safe and effective, applied under a dentist’s care. If you are weighing your options, we compared in-office and at-home whitening in a separate post.
A brighter smile starts with a healthy one
Whitening is one of the gentlest treatments in dentistry, and there is nothing to dread in the visit itself. Before any treatment, Dr. Balaban examines your teeth to make sure they are healthy enough for whitening and that you are a good candidate. He will answer every question you bring, and if whitening is not the right fit yet, he will tell you what to address first. No pressure, no lecture. That is how Fear-Less Dentistry works here.
If you are new to Smile Arts Dental, your first exam and X-rays are $79 through our new patient special. When you are ready for a brighter smile you will want to show off, request an appointment or call us at (317) 575-1995.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. For guidance about your own smile, talk with your dentist.