Tooth discoloration can have a tremendous impact on your smile. Even when you have straight, sound teeth, yellow or brown stains can give your smile an unhealthy appearance. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can keep your smile sparkling and white. Routine care at home is very important in preventing discoloration, as well as cavities. Dr. Georgaklis also offers highly effective San Diego stained teeth treatment. With both at-home and in-office treatments available, our La Jolla stained teeth treatment is convenient, affordable, and tailored to meet your needs.
Daily Dental Hygiene
Routine home care is one of the most important factors when it comes to fighting dental discoloration. When you brush and floss properly, you can prevent a buildup of harmful oral bacteria. When this bacteria is allowed to accumulate, it will interact with sugars, forming acids. The acids will erode your dental enamel. As this hard, white outer layer starts to wear away, the layer of dentin will begin to show through. Not only is dentin naturally off-white; it is also more porous. Therefore, stains can attach to this layer more easily. As the enamel erodes even further, it will lead to cavities.
To prevent enamel erosion and decay, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily. For optimal dental health, you should do so about 30 minutes after each meal. You should also floss at least once a day, preferably before bed.
Watch What You Eat
Your diet has a tremendous impact on the color of your teeth. Dark colored foods and drinks, such as soy sauce, coffee, and berries, contain pigmented chromogens. When you habitually consume these foods, the chromogens will adhere to your teeth. Additionally, tannins make it easier for chromogens to adhere to your teeth. That is why black tea and red wine are such notorious causes of dental discoloration. Finally, highly acidic foods will also lead to San Diego stained teeth. As stated above, acids cause enamel erosion, discoloration, and decay. Therefore, you should enjoy acidic items, such as sodas, citrus, and white wine, in moderation. When you do consume dark colored, tannic, or acidic foods, exercise caution. To combat discoloration, drink plenty of water while you are eating and rinse your mouth out when you are finished.
Professional Treatment for La Jolla Stained Teeth
Even with meticulous at-home hygiene and a careful diet, you will still experience some dental stains. Fortunately, Dr. Georgaklis provides both in-office Zoom! and at-home whitening treatments. Zoom! is the most well-known type of teeth whitening. Dr. Georgaklis or his assistant will coat your teeth in a peroxide-based whitening gel. Then he will shine a proprietary light on your smile, activating the gel and setting off an oxidation reaction in your teeth. The material will aggressively break down dental stains. However, we use precise techniques, so you will have a very low risk for dental sensitivity. The treatment can lighten your smile by six to ten shades – or more!
Alternatively, you might select at-home whitening. Dr. Georgaklis will provide custom whitening trays, made from impressions of your teeth. You will place whitening gel inside the trays. Then you will wear them for about 45 minutes a day, twice a day. In most cases your treatment will last 7 to 10 days, although this will vary depending on the degree of your discoloration. The treatment is highly effective, and you can undergo inexpensive, routine touchups. When combined with proper homecare, diet, and touchups the results of your San Diego stained teeth treatment could last for years.
Schedule a San Diego Stained Teeth Consultation
To learn more about our professional teeth whitening treatment and to find out how you can protect the color of your smile, contact Dr. Georgaklis’ office today.