You might have looked in the mirror lately and noticed that your smile isn’t as bright as it once was. The lovely shade of white you once had appears to be fading.
Although this might not bother some people, there are those out there who want to do something about this. What can be done? And are there any other effects of stained teeth than their appearance?
This article looks into the potential long-term effects of stained teeth to determine how else they can affect you and how you should consider treating them.
The long-term effects of stained teeth
Teeth that look more yellow than white can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. It could make you want to hide your smile in every photo.
While stained teeth might not directly cause cavities, it can be a sign that your oral health might not be particularly good. Tooth decay can happen because of a poor diet and lack of oral hygiene, which could affect the structural integrity of teeth and cause them to crack in time.
Stained teeth might also be a sign of poor dental hygiene. If you don’t clean your teeth routinely and effectively, there is a chance your gums could become inflamed. The bacteria you should try to remove could also lead to gum disease, which would need to be treated right away.
Although it might not seem likely, there is a chance that more serious health concerns like diabetes or heart disease might stem from poor oral care. Studies have shown that if your gum disease is particularly severe, you have an almost 70% greater chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
It’s for these reasons that you should look to address your stained teeth at the earliest opportunity. Rather than shrug it off and hope it improves, visit your dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up and a thorough hygienist clean. These issues are rectifiable, but the sooner you do something about them, the better.
What can be done about stained teeth?
Sugar, smoking, alcohol, and coffee are big contributors towards stained teeth and can give them their unappealing aesthetic. You should limit the amount of coffee, sugar, and alcohol you consume and stop smoking altogether.
Taking regular care of your oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can remove plaque and prevent harmful bacteria from causing stains. Your dentist will suggest a toothpaste they feel will be best to maintain teeth brightness.
On top of regular check-ups, visiting a dental hygienist is recommended because the cleaning tools they have there can improve the feel and appearance of your smile. Air polishing will work to remove the superficial stains on your teeth.
For more on dental care and options for teeth whitening treatments, check out the Pure Smiles website today.