Teeth Whitening Services in Adelaide
Over time all teeth eventually change from their original whiter appearance to varying degrees of a more yellow colour. Whitening is the process of restoring a more favourable colour using a specialized whitening solution and process. Restoring tooth colour is purely cosmetic and does not impact function.
Not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening. If your teeth and gums are not in a healthy condition before you whiten, the procedure may cause more damage. Even if there is nothing wrong with your teeth there may be other reasons why whitening won’t work.
How do I know if I can have my teeth whitened?
The safest way to work out if your teeth are suitable for whitening is to see our dentists or oral health therapist/ hygienist. We check for things like enamel thickness, receding gums, existing sensitivity, existing tooth decay, existing restorations (e.g. fillings, crowns and veneers), any other oral diseases or conditions. We also assess the cause of discolouration, (e.g. diet, ageing etc.) and whether this is on the surface or inside the teeth. During an examination, we will determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. Whitening results can be disappointing if your teeth have not been properly assessed for suitability.
There are two options for teeth whitening. Either the whitening process is done in the dental chair at the practice or taken home in a whitening kit. We offer the convenience of take home whitening. An ultra thin clear bleaching tray is custom-made to fit over your teeth perfectly. The tray can be worn during the day or at night depending on the specification of the whitening gel.
Discoloured Teeth: Five Foods That Cause Stains
Proper oral hygiene is of course indispensable for maintaining a bright smile, but there is one other important bit of advice: Watch what you eat and drink. Certain foods and beverages can discolour teeth. If you want to protect your pearly whites, read on for some common culprits that stain your teeth.
Pasta Sauce
Because of their acidity, bright red hue and tendency to cling to the teeth, the tomatoes in pasta sauce can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining. Dine on some dark green veggies, such as broccoli, kale and spinach, beforehand to create a protective film over the teeth. The film will ward off tomatoes’ staining effect, so spring for a green salad as an appetizer.
Curry
Curry, a spice that works well in Indian food and exotic dishes, is also a cause of discoloured teeth. Its deep pigmentation can yellow teeth over time. Due to its high staining factor, curry is something you may want to limit in your diet. Whenever you dine on curry-spiced food, mix in fresh fruits and vegetables that prevent stains, such as apples, carrots, cauliflower and celery.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a healthy salad dressing, but it can also darken your teeth. The reason? Its dark natural colour, of course. It also sticks to your teeth, which can lead to staining if it’s not quickly brushed away. You don’t have to give up on this light salad dressing. Whenever you have a salad with balsamic vinegar, be sure to include a crunchy lettuce; chewing the lettuce will help clean the staining balsamic vinegar from your teeth as you eat.
Berries
Berries provide health benefits, such as antioxidants, but they also have the potential to stain your teeth. The deep hue in blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries in particular can cause staining, regardless of whether they are eaten whole, drunk as juice or processed as jelly and jam. Don’t let them linger in your mouth for too long, and drink water to combat their staining effect. Finish with a glass of milk or a serving of hard cheese, both of which neutralize acid and strengthen teeth.
Beverages
A number of different drinks, including coffee, tea, sodas, sports drinks and wine, can cause stains due to their acidity. Teas of all colours, even white tea, have been shown to stain teeth and erode enamel. Sports drinks also damage tooth enamel and discolour teeth. Both light and dark sodas, because of their acidity, also cause discoloration and even encourage further staining from foods. Not only can red wine stain teeth; white wine can as well. Believe it or not, white wine is more acidic than red, which may cause more damage and discoloration to the teeth. Limiting your intake of these beverages will benefit both your oral and overall health.
Keep Smiling Bright
A healthy diet and a change of habits can prevent tooth stains and preserve your pristine smile. Enjoy your favourite foods, but use caution. Moderation is key when it comes to foods and drinks that discolour your teeth. If you choose water over other beverages, and if you make sure to rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth within a half hour of eating, you can significantly improve your smile. Stay on top of your brushing and flossing, too. Flossing helps remove the pesky plaque that builds up between teeth and the gum line and attracts stains. Brushing removes food particles before they have the chance to cause a stain.
Book An Appointment With Us
Royal Park Dental is proud to be one of the leading implant-retained denture providers for our customers who live in Royal Park and the whole of Adelaide. Our team of professionals has years of experience and the most advanced treatment methods, so we are confident in our practices and products perfectly crafted to your dental needs.
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