Your teeth are very much what you eat and drink. The good news is that if your teeth are looking a little less radiant, Dr. Gordon Kent and his team at the Smile Center have many convenient and safe ways to effectively restore the beauty of your smile. They can also restore or instill good habits that keep your teeth healthy. A nice side effect of health is a beautiful smile.

The offenders and their effects

Sugars are contained in many foods and beverages, from soda to sports drinks and products marketed as “fruit juice” with little actual fruit. These products are so destructive because they combine with mouth bacteria to produce acids that eat away at tooth structure.

Hard, sugary candies are doubly destructive, because they can result in damage to enamel and the need to call Dr. Kent after-hours with a dental emergency when your tooth breaks or filling cracks! Chewing ice can have much the same effect, causing chips and more severe damage.

Sticky and starchy foods like dried fruit and potato chips are concerning because they cling to the teeth and get trapped in the pits and grooves on tooth surfaces. When stubborn food debris is not removed properly, these areas harbor the plaque that hardens to become tartar and can lead to decay and tooth loss.

Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea are not only staining, but they are associated with dry mouth. This condition, known as Xerostomia, is a significant source of tooth decay. Since saliva is a natural cleanser, when its production is reduced or ceases, sugars, food debris, and bacteria literally stick around on your teeth.

Tooth-healthy allies

Should discoloration detract from the look of your smile, Dr. Kent offers professional whitening in-house or through customized trays applied at home. You can opt for in-house whitening if a dramatically brighter smile in no time is what you’re after. If you want a gradually brighter smile or want to maintain the results of in-office whitening, take-home trays may be more your style.

For stubborn discoloration, porcelain veneers may be designed and securely applied to the front of your teeth. These thin layers of porcelain can undo other types of damage caused by ice, and accidents, as well as other issues such as chipping or wear that alters the shape of the tooth.

Facings may even close a gap that has developed over time. For more severe damage that threatens the function of your tooth, there are several beautiful and durable restorative options, including:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Porcelain crowns
• Dental implant-supported teeth

As your Buffalo cosmetic dentistry partner, the Smile Center wants to avoid the need for future treatments to improve your appearance or rebuild your teeth. During ongoing check-ups and professional cleanings, they will discuss any concerns or ways to help maintain or restore your oral health at home.

For instance, they encourage you to swap the fruit drinks for actual fruit. Go easier on the citrus, because these fruits are highly acidic. If you must have fruit juice or sports drinks, check the labels for sugar content. A quick Google search can also result in many recipes for healthy sports drinks, which are easy to make and taste good. Trust Dr. Kent and his team – these tips can help maintain the look of your smile and the beautiful results of cosmetic treatment!