Why Would I Need a Tooth Extracted?
It’s always preferable to keep your natural teeth, but sometimes circumstances require that you have a tooth extracted. Why would you need a tooth extraction? Keep reading to learn more.
You’re not the only one who’s gotten their teeth whitened. It’s big business in the United States, where, according to Healthline, Americans spent more than $11 billion in 2015 on at-home teeth whitening products and in-office treatments combined. So, if you’ve gone to all the trouble of getting white, radiant teeth, what do you need to do to make the most of your teeth whitening procedure?
At Riverdale Dental Arts, Dr. Sheldon Kupferman and his staff are proud to offer the Philips Zoom® Teeth Whitening System for their patients in the Bronx, New York, interested in taking their smiles from drab to dazzling. Since you’ve already taken the first step and gotten your teeth whitened, here are four ways you can make the most of your investment.
The more effort you put into keeping your teeth white, the longer your teeth whitening treatment will last. Here are four ways to extend the lifetime of the procedure.
One of the reasons you probably got your teeth whitened in the first place was discoloration caused by certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and soy sauce. Just because your teeth are white now, doesn’t mean they’re protected from stains. Modifying your diet to minimize consuming staining foods and drinks can help, as can rinsing/brushing after meals and snacks. Also try to limit acidic foods, which can eat away at your protective enamel, and sugary confections, which can cause decay.
If you absolutely must have your tea, coffee, or wine, you can reduce the chance of staining by using a drinking straw. By angling it behind your teeth, you bypass the easily stained surfaces.
On a positive note, some foods can help maintain your bright, white smile. Crunchy fruits and vegetables with a high water content stimulate saliva production, which helps dilute acids and wash away bacteria and food debris. Cheese is another good choice, with minerals that help maintain tooth strength.
Smoking and any other form of tobacco are health hazards, leading to everything from clogged arteries and heart disease to an increased risk of stroke. And when it comes to white teeth, tobacco is a formidable enemy. The tar and nicotine from cigarettes takes an amazingly short time to undo the whitening process, producing stains you can’t simply brush away. In addition, smoking can dehydrate your teeth and gums, increase your risk for gum disease, and increase your risk for oral cancer.
Just because your teeth are white, it doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way without help. Brushing at least twice a day, after meals and before bed, as well as flossing once a day and visiting Dr. Kupferman twice a year for professional cleanings, goes a long way to helping you maintain your results. Also, ask the dentist for an at-home whitening kit to allow you to touch up your results when you need to.
Want more tips on how to get the most of your teeth whitening, or need to have other dental work done? Contact Riverdale Dental Arts by calling the office at 845-479-6927, or book your appointment online with us today.
