We all love our morning cup (or two… or three…) of java. However, you won’t like the tooth stains that it brings. There are many ways to preserve your smile, including in-office and at-home preventive treatments. We sought advice from Dr. Richard Lipari, and Dr. Matthew Asaro to learn how to keep your teeth white. They also shared their tips on what foods and beverages can cause discoloration and what you can do about it. What causes teeth staining
Lifestyle and diet are the most common causes of teeth staining. Tooth enamel, the outermost layer of the teeth, is where the particles from highly pigmented foods or liquids stick. This can cause discoloration. Asaro Dental Aesthetics owner Dr. Matt Asaro notes that stains can be caused by poor dental hygiene, diseases, and medications. Dr. Richard Lipari says that some staining can be explained by age. He explains that enamel wears over our lives, becoming thinner and dentin (the inner layer of the tooth) yellows over time. “This enamel thinning allows the yellow dentin (which is what gives our teeth their yellow color) to show through to a greater extent, making them appear yellower as we age.” What foods, drinks or habits are most likely to stain teeth?
Both dentists agreed that coffee is the most common stain culprit. Red wine, tea, red wine, tea, and fruit juices are close behind. The primary culprit is smoking tobacco, they said. They also recommended that you avoid sweets, berries and candy as well as sauces with pigments like soy sauce. Dr. Lipari says that sugary foods can cause enamel to break down and eventually lead to cavities. Do you think drinking from a straw, brushing your teeth after eating/drinking can help to protect your teeth?
Yes, drinking from a straw is possible. Straws can reduce the contact between liquid and your front teeth’s outside surfaces, which helps to reduce staining. The Hiware 12-Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Staws is available at Amazon for $6.98 Prime Members. My patients also like to have a glass of water between each sip of wine or coffee. Dr. Lipari said that they might be drinking. This helps to rinse out the teeth and prevent stains from sticking. The dentists differed on whether it is better to brush your teeth immediately after you have eaten or drank to prevent discoloration. Dr. Lipari said that brushing your teeth after eating is not as effective as doing it immediately. Dr. Asaro recommended waiting at least 30 mins after you have had a cup of coffee or eaten to scrub your teeth. He warns that you could “brush the stain residues further into the tooth structure.” Dr. Asaro recommends that you rinse out your mouth with water immediately after eating any staining foods and beverages. Is there any at-home whitening method that works?
There are many home whitening options available, but how safe and effective are they? Dr. Asaro and Dr. Lipari both agree that Crest 3D Whitestrips are safe and effective. Dr. Lipari also states that they are not user-friendly and may not be a good solution for sensitive patients. (I can confirm this as I have sensitive teeth and had to give up Crest strips due to discomfort. He recommends that you only use Crest whitening strips or Opalescence Go Prefilled Tooth Whitening Trays (Buy From Amazon, $79.50) if you want to whiten your teeth. It is important to keep the treatment consistent for 7-10 days and avoid bright colored foods and liquids. Dr. Asaro says that DIY home whitening can work for some people. However, there are many factors that could influence the effectiveness of DIY home whitening, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and type of stain (intrinsic/extrinsic). He says, “It is always recommended that you only whiten your teeth once your mouth has been cleared of any plaque or calculus (tartar).” “I like to say with my patients, ‘you wouldn’t want to paint a dirty wall with a new coat of paint.’ Both dentists agree that proper brushing and flossing can reduce stains. They also recommend that you rinse your mouth with water and have regular cleanings by a professional dentist hygienist (minimum two times per year). Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are two popular at-home teeth-whitening products. These are safe and effective, but do they work?
Dr. Lipari says that he doesn’t recommend using baking soda to replace toothpaste or rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda, which is similar to charcoal, can cause enamel damage over time. Hydrogen peroxide can also cause gum tissue irritation when used at home. Dr. Lipari recommends that a protective barrier be placed over the gum tissue during an in-office procedure to prevent any chemical irritation. Dr. Asaro acknowledges that baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be effective. However, Dr. Lipari recommends diluting the peroxide with water. “Very concentrated hydrogen peroxide or baking soda can be abrasive for the enamel and cause structural damage.” He concludes by saying that it’s best to only use these ingredients moderately and to not exceed three times per week. What in-office procedures are you most comfortable with for teeth whitening?
In-office whitening is Dr. Lipari’s preferred method of whitening your teeth. The procedure takes less than an hour and the results are visible immediately. Dr. Lipari states that most patients whiten their teeth every one to two years depending on how they eat and live. Are you concerned about tooth pain after or during treatment? Dr. Lipari applies a desensitizing solution before beginning the whitening process. This greatly reduces your sensitivity. In-office whitening is not covered by insurance. Dr. Asaro suggests that you whiten your teeth by using a combination of customized at-home bleaching tray (your dentist can help you to fit these) and two sessions in-office professional bleaching. He concludes that he recommends his patients use their at home bleaching trays once a month to maintain the color. They should only do one to two sessions in the office per year. These tips can help you get and keep a bright smile. You can forget about yellow teeth! Woman’s World strives to highlight only the finest products and services. While we try to update as often as possible, deals can expire and prices may change. We may be compensated if you purchase something through one of our links.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |