All Posts in Category: Teeth Whitening

foods that can stain your teeth

10 Surprising foods that can stain your teeth

Your teeth are a very important part of your appearance. When you open your mouth it’s the first thing that a person sees. Unfortunately, there are a lot of common foods like coffee and tea that can stain your teeth. These are more obvious, of course. However, there are some sneaky culprits that can also stain your teeth which can lead to discoloration.

Searching for professional teeth whitening services in Port Washington? 3V Dental Associates can help! Schedule your Zoom! Teeth Whitening today.

Here is a list of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth:

1. Fruits and Berries

While fruits and berries are very healthy for you, some such as pomegranate, blueberries, and cherries contain pigments that can get trapped within your teeth. Once that happens, the natural white color will be reduced and your teeth will look dingy.

2. Dark Sauces

If you cook with a lot of sauces like soy sauce or Worcester sauce, it can cause your teeth to yellow. These sauces contain vinegar which can also eradicate the enamel on your teeth.

3. Hard Candies

The same thing these candies affect your tongue is the same effect it will have on your teeth. The sugar and dye will definitely give your teeth a yellowish, dingy glow. And tooth decay is also something to be considered.

4. Popsicles

Same with candy. Popsicles have dye and if you eat them frequently, they will cause discoloration in your teeth.

5. Clear Sodas

People may think because the drink is colorless it will not change the color of your teeth. False. Even clear sodas can stain your teeth due to the high sugar content.

6. Sports Drinks

People are often fooled by these drinks because they are marketed as healthy. Well, health has little to do with tooth staining. These drinks are high in sugar and they also come in a rainbow of colors. So the dye and sugar can quickly discolor your teeth.

7. Curries

If you use a fair amount of this bright-colored spice, your teeth will suffer. Curries contain pigments that will cause your teeth to yellow.

8. Tomato-Based Products

Tomato-based products have a high acidity level. And this can do a number on the color of your teeth and eradicate your tooth enamel. So be aware if you consume a lot of tomato-based products like spaghetti, ketchup, soups, and other such products. Be aware, because it doesn’t take a lot to do damage.

9. Wines

If you drink a good bit of wine, your teeth can suffer over time. Wine contains acid and natural dyes that can erode enamel and change the color of your teeth. Red wine is the worst. It can cause your teeth to take on a brown or even blue appearance.

10. Tumeric

This exotic Indian spice is a yummy addition to your meal. However, it contains yellow pigments to make your teeth appear dingy and yellow over time.

Tips to prevent staining

Remember, your teeth are an important part of your appearance. No one wants to display a dingy, yellowing smile when they open their mouth. So if you consume a lot of food and drinks that can potentially alter your tooth color, take the necessary steps to keep that white, bright smile.

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teeth whitening for sensitive teeth

Teeth Whitening Options for Sensitive Teeth

Be cautious when choosing your teeth whitening products

A majority of the tooth whitening products available on the market today contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The quantities of these two ingredients will vary from product to product. However, even small amounts of these two ingredients can cause tooth irritation, thus leading to mild or severe tooth sensitivity. The irritation arises when the peroxide penetrates the tooth enamel to reach the softer layers where the tooth nerves lie.

The use of whitening gels also exposes the tiny pores in your teeth, leading to teeth dehydration. This moisture loss makes the teeth more sensitive to touch; only after your teeth have rehydrated will the sensitivity disappear. The degree and duration of tooth sensitivity will vary depending on the peroxide concentration in the whitening gel.

As always, consult with your local dentist or the American Dental Association before applying products to your teeth or gums.

Teeth whitening services by dentists

Professional whitening by an accredited dentist ranks as one of the best options for teeth sensitivity issues. Professional whitening procedures, though a little bit more costly than over-the-counter teeth whiteners are a safer option than homemade bleaching gels because they allow your dentist to monitor your progress throughout the treatment carefully.

In-office Zoom! teeth whitening is an example of a professional whitening procedure. It entails the insertion of a tooth retractor to expose the affected teeth. The dentist will then apply a resin or rubber casing on the impacted teeth to the peroxide from causing gum irritation which is the primary cause of teeth sensitivity. The dentist will apply a thin coat of bleaching gel on your teeth for a period of 15 to 30 minutes.

Should you opt for a professional whitening kit, the expert will study your dental formula, which will be used to design a whitening tray. The professional kit will comprise of the whitening tray and a suitable bleaching gel for home use. Most whitening trays are meant to last for up to two weeks.
Porcelain and resin veneers

Porcelain and composite veneers are ideal for people with severe teeth staining that cannot go away after conventional whitening procedures. The porcelain veneers attach to the tooth enamel. To install porcelain veneers, your dentist fixes tailor-made shells on top of each tooth. Porcelain veneers are popular because of their high resistance to staining. The high tensile strength of porcelain makes it ideal as a tooth veneer.

Composite resin veneers can be a safer option if the tooth sensitivity is due to enamel erosion. The resin is a shaded material that binds to each tooth rather than covering the tooth enamel. Though not as strong as porcelain, composite resins are still a good option because they are affordable and maintainable. It is advisable to talk to your dentist or guidance on the most suitable veneer if you have tooth sensitivity issues.

Best practices to maintain teeth whiteness for sensitive teeth

It is essential to carefully through product labels before purchasing any whitening gel or toothpaste. Though some whitening products are specially formulated for sensitive teeth, reading the product erases the doubt that you won’t worsen an already delicate situation. Lastly, instead of opting for peroxide-rich whitening gels, you can consider using fluoride gels and fluoride-rich toothpaste because of their teeth strengthening qualities.

You don’t have to live with stained teeth because of acute sensitivity. Your favorite dental team can help you reclaim your smile by suggesting a suitable whitener that will lead to brighter and stronger teeth.

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foods that improve teeth and oral health

10 Foods that Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

Getting a brighter smile is something we all try to do every single day, but did you know that you don’t always have to spend money on professional teeth whitening services and over-the-counter whitening trays to accomplish whiter teeth? There are several at-home methods that work for teeth whitening naturally, but one of the best ways is to simply eat foods that will help make your teeth whiter.

However, if all else fails 3V Dental is proud to offer Zoom! Teeth Whitening at our Port Washington dental office. Oh, and we also have a special promotion for teeth whitening too!

Here are 10 foods that naturally whiten your teeth.

1. Oranges

Throughout the day, your mouth collects and holds on to acid that leads to tooth decay if not washed our brushed out. Eating an orange will help keep the acid neutral and protect your mouth from decay while tasting delicious.

2. Seeds and Nuts

Seeds and nuts exfoliate your teeth and help keep away stains and buildup. They act as a way to brush your teeth without having to actually brush your teeth.

3. Strawberries

Malic acid is a key component in strawberries that helps to diminish the appearance of stains on your teeth, even though they might not look like the best option to eat for tooth whitening due to the red color.

4. Celery And Carrots

Celery and carrots both have a high amount of water, so they are helpful in keeping your mouth fresh and clean as they wash out buildup on your teeth.

5. Broccoli

Ever look at a head of this veggie and notice how rough it looks and how it would be a great scrubber if you were trying to get foods off of a plate? Well, eating broccoli will do the same thing to your teeth and help keep foods off and your mouth clean. It is essentially brushing your teeth without having to go to the sink or use toothpaste!

6. Apples

Every time you eat an apple, you are making your gums stronger with each bite you take. The high levels of water help to clean out your mouth and help you to produce more saliva.

7. Baking Soda

If you are looking for a way to reduce the number of stains or plaque buildup on your teeth, try brushing with baking soda as it works to bleach your teeth without being too harsh.

8. Cheese

Cheese is a great snack choice because it is full of calcium that helps keep your teeth and gums strong. There is a milk protein that is called casein that helps to keep the number of minerals that are lost due to tooth enamel to a minimum.

9. Onions

Due to the not-so-pleasant smell you might have in your mouth after eating one, you might need to brush anyways, but eating an onion keeps plaque from building up on your teeth and gums. The onion trick only works if you are consuming an onion that has not been cooked yet.

10. Milk And Dairy

Yogurt and milk are great options to help keep your teeth white because they have lactic acid and mineral calcium that helps keep the enamel of your teeth healthy and strong.

Taking advantage of all of the above natural teeth whitening methods is an important step towards naturally whiter teeth. To schedule a teeth whitening consultation at our office, contact us today!

zoom teeth whitening special port washington ny

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