Some Of Our Advice For A Brighter Smile

NEW TECHNOLOGY HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE for us to have brighter teeth than ever before. So what can you do to keep up and make sure that your smile dazzles too?

About Staining

Well, here’s the first thing you need to know: there are actually two kinds of tooth staining. There’s intrinsic staining (discoloration inside the dentin layer of your tooth) and extrinsic staining (which happens on the outer enamel layer). Each kind of stain has a different cause and solution.

Intrinsic

The Cause: Intrinsic staining usually happens during developmental years when your teeth are still forming. It can be caused by certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics (taken by mother or child) or an overexposure to fluoride in water or toothpaste. It can also be the result of trauma to the tooth. If your nerve was damaged, or there was internal bleeding, it can cause the teeth to darken.

The Solution: Intrinsic staining is harder to fix than extrinsic. If the discoloration is caused by trauma, sometimes a root canal will solve the problem. Usually, we recommend veneers to cover these stains.

Extrinsic

The Cause: Bad oral hygiene can cause a buildup of plaque and tartar which can dull and discolor teeth. But most extrinsic discoloration is caused by your food and drinks. Here’s a rule of thumb—if it colors your tongue, it’s affecting your teeth too.

  • Wine
  • Tobacco
  • Dark-pigmented berries like blueberries
  • Soft drinks
  • Strongly colored sweets

The Solution: You have a few options. When it comes to staining foods, try to cut back or make sure to rinse your mouth after you eat or drink. You can also prevent staining by being vigilant with your oral health routine: brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

And of course, if you want to get rid of those wear-and-tear stains, come on into our office for a Britesmile or Zoom! Whitening boost. We can turn your regular smile into a showstopper in just one easy visit.

Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we want to make sure that you have a healthy, confident smile. Let us know if you have any questions about our in-office whitening systems or about care you can do at home for a brighter smile.

Thank you for entrusting your oral health to us! We appreciate you. 

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