Having a bright, vibrant smile can be a source of great pride and a wonderful confidence booster. But yellowed or stained teeth can often cause embarrassment instead. Discolored teeth in Arlington Heights, IL, could be the result of a variety of different factors. Everything from a genetic predisposition to your eating habits can influence the color of your teeth. While whitening treatments can help restore your vibrant smile, maintaining that brightness isn’t always easy. But if you know the source of your discoloration, you and your dentist can work together to help combat it.
Causes and Solutions for Discolored Teeth in Arlington Heights, IL
Everyone’s mouth is different, and no two patients can benefit from the same treatment plan. Restoring your smile after discoloration requires a unique, personalized approach designed for your teeth. After examining your mouth and discussing your lifestyle and habits, your dentist can help create a treatment plan that could help whiten your smile.
Diet
What you eat and drink can play a major role in the color of your teeth. Dark staining liquids, such as coffee, soda, and tea, can penetrate the enamel of your teeth and lead to staining. Certain foods can also have this effect. While avoiding staining foods and drinks is the best way to maintain a bright smile, you can still enjoy your regular diet. After eating or drinking dark foods and liquids, rinse your mouth out with warm water. It’s important to be cautious when brushing, however, as acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel, leading to wear and tear if you brush too soon.
Genetics and Medications
Some patients just have naturally darker teeth as they age. Others can experience discoloration caused by certain medical conditions and even medications. While it’s difficult to change the chemical makeup in your body, there are treatment options that can restore your bright smile. For example, porcelain veneers can be color-matched to your desired shade. Because they aren’t a part of your natural teeth, they are less likely to be affected by medications or genetic predispositions.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Plaque and tartar buildup can quickly lead to yellowing teeth. Gum disease, too, can discolor your natural teeth. Patients who struggle to keep up with their oral hygiene often find their teeth suffering from discoloration more quickly than others. The best way to help combat this is to find ways to help improve your at-home oral hygiene routine. This could mean finding a better/more comfortable toothbrush, using a different type of floss, or adding a mouthwash to the mix. If you do struggle with oral hygiene, talk to your dentist for some recommendations on how to improve your brushing and flossing efforts.
If you have discolored teeth, it’s common to feel self-conscious about your smile. But at AH Smiles, we could help restore the natural beauty of your teeth. Call us today at (847) 230-9703 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our teeth whitening options.