Teeth-Staining FAQ
All Your Teeth-Staining Questions Answered
Having a bright, white smile can help boost your confidence when smiling or chatting in public. Even getting your picture taken will be more of a joy without stained teeth. Below are frequently asked questions we receive from our patients about how to maintain their smile:
How Do My Teeth Get Stained?
When the enamel on your teeth becomes compromised or weakened, they can darken from an assortment of stain-causing food and drinks, smoking, and even some medicines. Your teeth will also yellow naturally with age. You can correct this coloring and staining with a variety of whitening options.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Patients with sturdy and healthy teeth are the best candidates for teeth whitening. If you’re under the age of 16, the pulp chamber is still too enlarged at this developmental stage for whitening. We also recommend that those who are pregnant or nursing not receive whitening treatments. Our team can evaluate if you’re a candidate along with which whitening plan is best for your teeth.
What Drinks Cause Teeth-Staining?
Many drinks have artificial coloring in them, which can cause staining on the teeth. Other natural ingredients like grapes in wine or coffee and tea can cause staining as well. Heavily sugared drinks like soda can also wear down your enamel and open you up to staining from the cola ingredients. Cavities are another thing to worry about with these types of drinks.
What Foods Cause Teeth Staining?
Brightly colored fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, red grapes, and more can cause light staining after eating. Red pasta sauces and spices such as turmeric can stain your teeth much like it stains your clothes. Other foods to watch out for are candies with heavy dyes in them. If they change the color of your tongue, they can stain your teeth.
How Can I Prevent My Teeth From Getting Stained?
After eating and drinking the items mentioned above, simply swishing some water around your mouth can greatly decrease the chances of staining. It is also imperative you maintain daily flossing and brushing techniques. Flossing before brushing can help get to the sugar and other stain-causing ingredients. When you go to brush, you will be able to get a better clean. Regularly scheduled teeth cleanings will also help keep your teeth as white as possible.
Can Twin Aspen Dental Center Remove Teeth Stains?
Our dental office offers effective teeth whitening options such as Philips Zoom professional teeth whitening and custom teeth whitening trays.
How Often Do I Need Teeth Whitening?
How often you’ll need teeth whitening depends on your starting tooth color and your diet. Roughly once per quarter is a good practice. Make sure to keep up with your regular dental cleanings too.
When is The Best Time to Get My Teeth Whitened?
We suggest you get your teeth whitened after a professional cleaning. This will ensure nothing is blocking the bleach or UV lights for your treatment.
Does it Matter How Stained My Teeth Are?
Sometimes teeth are too far gone to achieve a pure white look. Our goal is to get them as close as possible to your liking. We will work with you, and it may take a couple of sessions to achieve it, but we will get you as close to the desired shade so you can feel confident again with your smile.
What Types of Teeth Whitening Products Are There?
There are plenty of different whiteners on the market. You can use trays, strips, gels, rinses, and more for over-the-counter options. We can also use ultraviolet rays paired with gels to achieve multiple levels of whiteness quicker. Our dentist can help you determine if this option is best for you.
If you have any further questions regarding your teeth whitening options, contact us today!