Avoiding a dull smile is as easy as making a few changes in your habits and scheduling a visit to your Colorado Springs CO dentist, Dr. Nolan Behr. Dr. Behr offers services and treatments that will keep your smile looking its best. Learn more by contacting your Dentist Colorado Springs today!
What causes a dull smile?
Aging affects every part of your body, including your teeth. As you grow older, your teeth may naturally become duller. Your smile may also look dull or yellow if you use tobacco products or eat or drink foods or beverages that contain dark or brightly colored pigments.
What can I do to keep my smile whiter?
Following a few of these tips will help you maintain your bright smile and avoid new stains:
- Stop Smoking, Vaping, or Chewing: Tobacco and nicotine coat everything they touch with a yellow film. Avoiding these substances is just as important for your smile as it is for your health.
- Consume Fewer Stain-Causing Foods: Dark pigments from foods and beverages seep into tiny pores in your tooth enamel, staining your teeth. Eliminating these foods and beverages, or at least consuming them less often, will help your smile stay whiter. Foods and drinks that can cause stains include soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, pomegranates, tomato sauce, ice pops, candy, coffee, tea, red wine, and cola.
- Carry a Straw with You: Drinking cola, coffee, tea, and even wine through a straw may decrease stains. When you use a straw, the bulk of the liquid never touches the fronts of your teeth.
- Try Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste can reduce staining, although it can't eliminate stains. Look for toothpaste that features the American Dental Association (ADA) seal when shopping at Colorado Springs stores.
- Brush After Eating: Brushing can get rid of some of the dark pigments before they can stain your enamel.
- Talk to Your Dentist Colorado Springs About Whitening Options: Your dentist can help you brighten your teeth with teeth whitening or veneers. Whitening involves applying hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth to bleach away stains. The whitening process only takes about an hour in the dental office and can lighten your teeth three to eight shades. Veneers are thin shells applied to the fronts of your teeth with dental cement. When you opt for veneers, you choose the perfect shade of white for your smile.
Would you like to whiten your smile? Call your dentist in Colorado Springs CO, Dr. Nolan Behr, at (719) 591-2050 to schedule an appointment.