Your smile says a lot about you, from your friendliness to professionalism to even your lifestyle. If your teeth are yellowed, stained, or darkened, it can give the impression that you don’t care very much about your appearance, your health, and even your professional image. Sadly, the dulling or yellowing of teeth is a natural process as we age that we can’t do very much to stop. However, there are treatments available for teeth whitening in Moorhead that can reverse these natural teeth staining processes and bring back the gleam to your smile.
One effective way of brightening a smile without using over-the-counter whiteners or expensive treatments is by going in for a routine checkup and cleaning. Plaque buildup discolors teeth, but is easily removed by your dentist. He or she will then use products as part of the regular cleaning to polish and strengthen your teeth. As a result, the natural shine will come back, and the spaces between your teeth which usually see staining from plaque buildup will be smooth and clean again. Your dentist will also be able to explain to you the ways you can reduce the gradual darkening of your teeth, so you can enjoy a glittering smile for a long time.
Between checkups and cleanings, regular brushing and flossing your teeth will go a long way in maintaining their appearance. Limiting certain foods and drinks that stain the teeth over time will also keep your smile bright for longer: coffee, tea, soda, red wine, and dark fruits and vegetables all contribute to tooth staining. The use of tobacco products is a huge culprit in staining the teeth. Limiting or eliminating smoking can keep your teeth from staining prematurely. Of course, nothing can be done to stop the aging process, and discoloration of the teeth is perfectly natural with age. Teeth whitening in Moorhead can be performed by your dentist for darker or more yellowed stains caused by diet, lifestyle, or age.
Over-the-counter whitening products are generally safe and gentle enough for the teeth and gums, but they don’t provide the dramatic whitening effects some people are looking for. For more stubborn stains and darkening that result from age, diet, and tobacco, teeth whitening in Moorhead at your dentist’s office might be a better choice. Your dentist will usually be able to give you striking results in as little as one office visit, with a variety of products that range from strong peroxide gels to concentrated light. Several visits might be required, or your dentist can prescribe an at-home treatment which has more effective long-term results than over-the-counter products.
