Staining happens. But what do I do about it?

There are many different reasons your teeth might be taking on a yellow hue. Our teeth naturally lose that vibrant white as we age, and genetics can affect how severe this process is. What we eat and drink is another common culprit. Drinks like wine and dark sodas can eventually affect our smiles. Berries and other highly pigmented foods can do the same. Tobacco use and poor oral hygiene will also affect how your smile shines.

Usually, the loss of your bright smile comes gradually; though, one day it just might catch you by surprise. If left untreated, it will continue to get worse. But if you are able to take care of it, your oral health will thank you. It may just cause a chain reaction, making you want to maintain those pearly whites, and you’d be surprised by how much improved oral care can increase your confidence!

1. The Dental Exam: A Crucial Starting Point

Just like dental staining happens to everyone, anyone can get tooth whitening! The first step to regaining your smile is to visit the dentist. Be sure to tell your dentist all of your concerns, and ask any questions you might have. But your dentist won’t just be looking at the staining on your teeth. They will also be checking your overall oral health to make sure dental whitening is the correct next step. It’s important to check and address things like cavities and gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) before the whitening process begins. If these things are left untreated, the problems will only get worse with time.

2. Pride in Your Smile, Commitment to Oral Health

Imagine how it would feel to go to that family reunion and let your smile loose. It would be so freeing to embrace the photos and let your smile shine. Though photo-ops aren’t the only place where you can show off your renewed smile. When it’s time to ask your boss for that much-deserved raise, you don’t want to be hiding behind closed lips. Just taking one simple thing off your ever-growing list of worries can go a long way to helping you relax.

When that smile is just how you want it, don’t be afraid to show it off! You deserve it.

3. Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Increased Awareness

There is a phenomenon called the “clean slate” mentality. In short, people tend to take better care of newly improved areas of their lives. This applies to anything from a new car to freshly whitened teeth.

If you have a whiter smile, you will be more inclined to take care of it. You’ll be more invested in the process of flossing between those back molars and brushing the bacteria-filled plaque from your teeth. This creates a never-ending loop. Your shining smile provides you with positive feedback, ensuring you take care of it, taking care of the symptoms of gum disease before they have a chance to settle in.

4. Strengthened Patient-Dentist Relationship

It can be hard to start the conversation about any dental insecurities, but your dentist has likely heard them all. No matter what the issue may be, know that we won’t judge you. When you open up to your dentist about these problems, it paves the way to strengthening your relationship with your dentist.

If you have a sore tooth, you’ll be more likely to bring it up. If you notice bleeding in your gums, you’ll be less afraid to mention it. If you are able to have a trusted relationship with your dentist, you’ll be more likely to follow their professional advice, therefore seeing more visible results over time. Open communication is key to keeping your smile shining bright and healthy for years to come.

We’re here to help!

Never underestimate the power of comprehensive dental care. Everything in the body is connected, directly affecting each other, so it makes sense to keep an eye on more than just one specialty. This applies to things as simple as tooth whitening. If you’ve noticed that the shine on your teeth is fading, don’t panic! We are here to help you with whatever you might need. Besides, a tooth whitening treatment might just be the confidence boost you need.

If you’re thinking about tooth whitening, don’t hesitate to make an appointment! Here at Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we have both take-home and in-office treatments available. We look forward to renewing your bright and happy smile!