Tips for a Brighter, Whiter Smile

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Tea, red wine, and blueberries may be chock full
of antioxidants, but these health boosters may
also be standing in the way of your pearly white
smile.
Tips for a Brighter, Whiter Smile
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Check with Your Dentist
Even if your stains are mild, it's a good idea to
check with your dentist before beginning any
whitening process.
People with very gray teeth or special dental
work such as caps and crowns aren't good
candidates for teeth whitening, but your dentist
can discuss your options with you.
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A dentist can help you distinguish between
intrinsic (internal) and surface stains.
Intrinsic stains, which occur inside the tooth,
can stem from childhood antibiotic (tetracycline)
use, 
trauma (when a tooths nerve dies, the tooth
itself can turn brown, gray or black) or
overexposure to fluoride when teeth are forming
(which can give teeth a spotty, mottled look).
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This type of stain can only be corrected by a
dentist.
Surface stains can be removed with whitening
toothpastes, over-the-counter bleaching kits, and
professional cleanings.
Your dentist will be able to help you select a
good whitening method and help prevent misuse and
potential side effects.
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Whitening Toothpaste
If your stains are minor, you may have good
results by simply using whitening toothpaste,
which contains mild abrasives that scrub away
stains while you brush. 
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Do-It-Yourself Whitening Kits
There are many affordable teeth whitening kits
available online and at your local pharmacy.
Common options include

• Gels that you have to paint onto each individual
  tooth

• Whitening solution inside mouth trays that fit
  inside your mouth

• Whitening solution on flexible, plastic strips
  that stick to your teeth

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Professional Whitening
If you would like faster or more dramatic
results, a professional whitening session at the
dentists office is in order.
Your dentist will use a higher concentration of
peroxide and may increase the effectiveness of
the process by augmenting the bleaching action
with a special light or laser.
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General Tips for a Brighter Smile
The best way to remove surface stains is to start
with a professional cleaning at the dentists
office.
Once youve got a clean slate, you can maintain
your brighter smile by

• Brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental care
  will remove plaque before it can accumulate and
  attract stains.

• Getting teeth professionally cleaned on a regular
  basis. Tartar buildup tends to stain easily and
  is very noticeable.

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• Not smoking. Smoking is a major cause of yellow
  stains on the teeth. It can also damage your gums.

• Carefully choosing your beverages. Coffee, tea
  and cola are prime culprits. Limit your
  consumption to one or two servings per day and
  brush immediately afterwards.

• Using a straw. Sip cola, juice and iced tea
  through a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.

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More Tips For the Brighter and Whiter Smile
Visit us at
www.montrosefamilydentist.com