Dental Health Archives

If you’ve smiled in the mirror recently and been upset by darker teeth, you probably wonder what has stained them. You probably also want to know how to make your teeth whiter and brighter again. Your Bethesda, MD dentist at BCC Smiles can help with professional teeth whitening services that go far beyond anything you can get over the counter. As for what is staining your teeth, it might be any of the following factors:

Food and Drink Stains

If you frequently drink coffee, tea, or red wine—or you eat a lot of dark leafy greens, berries, cherries, soy sauce, or other dark-pigmented foods and drinks, you might experience teeth staining. Of course, some of those foods are extremely good for you, and you should not stop eating them. Try to vary your diet, and just be aware that these dark foods and beverages can cause tooth staining.

Staining from Tobacco and Smoking

Your dentist in Bethesda urges everyone who still smokes or uses tobacco products to try and stop. Not only do these activities stain the teeth, but they can also increase your risk of oral cancers, as well as many other cancers and diseases. Also, if you do use teeth whitening services but continue smoking, the teeth can become re-stained.

Traumatic Tooth Injury

Injured teeth can also become darker than those around them, leading to an uneven-looking smile. Depending on the injury, you may need more treatment to save the tooth besides just teeth whitening.

Poor Oral Hygiene at Home

If you frequently forget to brush and floss your teeth, hard, yellow tartar will build up along the gumline. Not only does this give your teeth a dull, yellow cast, but it can also lead to cavities, infections, pain, and tooth loss. Take good care of your teeth by brushing after breakfast and before bedtime, and flossing at least once each day.

Other Things That Stain the Teeth

While you can control some of the reasons behind stained teeth, others are out of your control, including aging, other medical conditions, medications, and genetics.

Get a Brighter Smile with the Dentist Bethesda, MD Residents Rely On for Teeth Whitening Services

You don’t have to accept darker teeth or waste money on ineffective and uneven OTC products. Visit us here at BCC Smiles and we can help you get a much brighter smile, either here in the office with one-hour teeth whitening, or with a custom-made home kit with dental-grade whitening products and professional instructions. Schedule an appointment today and get the bright, confident smile you deserve!

Smoking affects your health in many ways, including your dental health. Using tobacco products can put you at risk of problems like oral cancer, tooth loss, gum recession, and gum disease.

If you smoke or use tobacco products, it’s important to visit your dentist in Bethesda, MD, for periodic dental check-ups. During your dental check-up, the dentist will examine you for warning signs of problems. Catching dental conditions in their early stages is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

How Do Tobacco Products Affect My Dental Health?

Smoking and using tobacco products can put you at risk for a variety of conditions. For example, one study found that nearly 80 percent of people with oral cancer were also smokers. People who smoke may experience decreased ability to taste, may be slow to heal after dental procedures, and may be at higher risk of infection as a result.

Smoking can also make your mouth dry, your breath unpleasant-smelling, and may turn your teeth brown. Overall, smoking can have a serious impact on your oral health.

How Can I Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums?

One of the most helpful things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums is to stop smoking altogether. If you’d like to stop but need help with smoking cessation, speak with your doctor for recommendations.

Here are some other things you can do to take care of your oral health:

Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily.
See the dentist every six months for a dental check-up and cleaning.
See the dentist as soon as possible if you notice any signs of oral cancer (such as lesions that won’t heal).
Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth.

When Should I See the Dentist?

See the dentist every six months for checkups. If you develop symptoms like a toothache, sudden tooth sensitivity, or sores in your mouth, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches and sudden tooth sensitivity can be a sign of tooth decay or a dental infection. These problems need treatment as quickly as possible.

Contact the Dentist Today

Your dentist can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums with general dental care in Bethesda, MD. Call today to make an appointment.

Things That Can Stain Your Teeth