How Teeth Discolor

Having a bright, white smile is something so many of us desire. While there are ways to achieve this goal, it is helpful to know how teeth darken or turn yellow. At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want our patients to know how it happens to be better aware of the causes in their life.

When teeth gain surface stains, they should be removed as soon as they are noticed. This can be difficult as many surface stains develop over time. However, when the stains penetrate the enamel, they reach the dentin. When the dentin is discolored, it tends to darken the outside of the whole tooth or turn the tooth that yellowish color.

Surface stains may be caused by many things; however, proper dental hygiene is a huge part of it. Plaque can trap in stain-causers close to the teeth. This is why it is important to brush two or three times per day.

Certain foods, drinks, and other habits can stain teeth more than usual. Dark drinks like cola, coffee, and tea can darken teeth if consumed frequently. Dark foods like blueberries and soy sauce can have the same effect. In addition, smoking and other tobacco use can also stain teeth. To help minimize staining, rinse your mouth out after consuming dark food and drinks, and brush after thirty minutes. As for smoking and other tobacco use, quit!

Just by cutting out stain-causing habits, you can brighten up your smile. To learn about our teeth whitening procedures, contact Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA by calling our office at (215) 638-9952. For more information about our pratice, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com

How to Avoid Staining Teeth

Keeping our teeth white is a top priority on many of our cosmetic to-do lists. In addition to our professional teeth whitening system, at Bensalem Dentistry of Bensalem, PA, we also want to offer advice to our patients for keeping teeth white!

At Bensalem Dentistry, we have a professional teeth whitening system that is great for kick-starting whiter teeth. But there are tips for keeping teeth white after a whitening procedure, or even for whitening before a procedure!

Rinsing the mouth after consuming dark liquids and foods will help avoid debris from staining teeth. Avoiding dark foods and liquids is best, but that is not always possible. Using a straw to drink dark liquids can help. Also, make sure to brush and floss your teeth three times per day to remove plaque that can trap stain causing debris close to the enamel.

When choosing toothpaste, make sure to choose one that is not too abrasive. In addition, do not bear down on the teeth too harshly when brushing. Using abrasive toothpaste and brushing techniques will actually wear down enamel, allowing darker colored dentin to show through. This also makes teeth prone to cavities.

Keeping teeth white and bright is not as hard as it seems with some minor changes throughout your day. To learn about our professional whitening system or to schedule an appointment in our Bensalem, PA office, call Bensalem Dentistry at (215) 638-9952 or visit our website, www.bensalemdentistry.com.