Which Summer Foods Are Staining My Teeth?

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Summer foods are so good, but they can be hard on your teeth. Some of those foods, while delicious, can cause your teeth to stain. As your dentist in Grand Junction, CO, we can help you maintain healthy white teeth. Knowing which foods are causing your teeth to stain can help you know when it’s time to take action to care for your teeth.

Which Summer Foods Stain Your Teeth?

There are many summer foods that can stain your teeth, from barbecue sauce to fun adult beverages. In general, foods that are dark-colored and saucy are likely to stain your teeth, so watch for these food types in your summer recipes and on the menus at your favorite restaurants. Some examples of summer foods that stain:

  • Barbecue sauce
  • Red wine
  • Iced coffee
  • Iced tea
  • Berries
  • Dark cherries
  • Beets
  • Ketchup
  • Sports drinks

What Can You Do To Keep Your Teeth White In Summer?

Swish with water after eating. Wash away food particles on your teeth by swishing with water after eating. This will help get rid of the biggest food particles to keep your teeth clean.

Stay hydrated. Drink extra water in summer. Summer is a time when it’s easy to get dehydrated, and that can leave your mouth dry. Saliva helps keep your mouth and teeth clean, so drink extra water on those hot days.

Maintain good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene can help keep your teeth clean. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once each day. See your dentist for exams and cleanings twice per year.

Get your teeth whitened. Have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist. Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective. For long-lasting white tooth enamel, see the dentist.

Are you interested in professional teeth whitening in Grand Junction, CO? Call Western Slope Dental Center to make an appointment.

 

What’s Plaque? What’s Tartar? What Can I Do to Keep It Off My Teeth?

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Plaque and tartar are terms that you hear when you’re talking to your dentist about oral hygiene and oral health. Most people are aware that plaque and tartar are problems that can develop on their teeth if they don’t go see the dentist in Grand Junction, CO. But what is the difference, and how can you stop these problems form occurring? Here’s what to know.

What’s Plaque? What’s Tartar?

Plaque is a collection of bacteria that stick together on the teeth to form a biofilm. These bacteria can be found throughout the mouth, including on the gums, teeth and tongue. The biofilm is a sticky substance that is white or yellow. It’s hard to remove.

Tartar is plaque that has calcified and hardened on the teeth. Tartar can stain your teeth, causing them to be more yellow or brown. In addition, tartar attracts more plaque, which then turns into more tartar. The tartar builds up on your teeth in this way.

What Can I Do to Keep It Off My Teeth?

If you want to keep plaque and tartar off your teeth, start by getting a dental exam in Grand Junction, CO. Do this twice annually to keep your teeth clean and slick, and free from bacteria. Plaque has a hard time building up on teeth that have been professionally cleaned by a dentist, so if you see the dentist twice annually, plaque and tartar should be less of a problem for you.

One more way to prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth: brush your teeth twice daily, and floss once daily. Proper brushing and flossing can result in clean, healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist can show you the best brushing and flossing techniques when you come in for your dental exams.

Have questions? Contact your dentist at Western Slope Dental Center.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/plaque-vs-tartar#formation-and-differences

3 Ways to Improve Your Dental Health in 2023

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Are your teeth as healthy as you want them to be? As your dentist in Grand Junction, CO, we can help you maintain beautiful healthy teeth in the new year. We offer advice and a range of services that can help improve your oral hygiene and dental health in 2023. Below are just a few things you can do to make your teeth healthier in the new year.

1. Get the Most Out of Your Dental Insurance

Find out what services your dental insurance offers, and then schedule any necessary procedures that your dental insurance will cover. Most dental insurances will cover two cleanings annually. Use this benefit to ensure that your teeth stay clean!

2. Ask Questions Next Time You Visit the Dentist

When you head to the dentist for a dental exam in Grand Junction, CO, write down questions for the dental provider. Your dental professional can give you advice on things you can do to take care of your teeth. Your provider can identify ways that your oral hygiene is falling short, and thus may be able to tell you what habits you can change to improve your dental health.

3. Invest In an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes use a variety of tricks to keep your teeth clean. Most electric toothbrushes will time how long you’ve been brushing your teeth, and will tell you when it’s been long enough. Some electric toothbrushes come with an app that monitors your tooth-brushing habits and makes suggestions for improvement. Either way, switching to an electric toothbrush can help keep your teeth clean.

It’s a new year and a new chance to make your teeth healthy. Do you need a dental appointment? Call Western Slope Dental Center to get your dental cleaning scheduled.