Genetics, eating foods with dark pigment, drinking a lot of coffee and tea, neglecting your oral hygiene, and using tobacco products can result in tooth discoloration. While many deep-set tooth stains need to be bleached away with professional teeth whitening treatment, some superficial tooth discoloration can be removed during a dental cleaning.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning should be a routine part of your oral healthcare. Our dental hygienist will clean between each tooth and along your gums with special tools to remove plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar is bacteria buildup that appears yellow or brown. In addition to making your smile appear duller and less white, these substances can increase your risk of tooth sensitivity, decay, and gum disease. After a dental cleaning, your smile will look brighter and be healthier because the plaque and tartar have been removed!
Dental Cleaning vs. Teeth Whitening
Dental cleanings offer many benefits and improve your oral health by helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. However, some stains and discoloration are too old or severe to be eliminated during a regular cleaning. Professional teeth whitening at the dentist can lift nearly any type of discoloration and dramatically brighten teeth! Although having whiter teeth doesn’t directly improve your oral health (like a dental cleaning can), it can motivate you to take better care of your smile.
Ways to Keep Your Teeth White
Your eating habits and lifestyle play a large role in potential tooth discoloration. There are several ways you can reduce your risk of staining between dental cleanings and after teeth whitening. For example:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Floss daily
- Limit consumption of coffee, tea, and sugary foods and beverages
- Avoid tobacco products
Comprehensive Dental Care in Gastonia, NC
Is it time for your routine dental cleaning? Or are you considering professional teeth whitening? At Gastonia Family Dentistry, our team would be delighted to help you with all your oral healthcare needs. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!