Even people who take good care of their teeth can experience teeth staining or yellowing over the years. Dr. Steven Erlandson helps scores of patients with their cosmetic dentistry needs in his Grand Forks, SD, office. He can help you achieve and maintain a white smile.

Dental stains

Most stains begin from contact with food particles, dark beverages, such as coffee, and tobacco smoke. Poor oral hygiene habits can add to the dulling of teeth. ToothIQ says many of these surface stains respond well to better brushing in the home and to in-office cleanings.

Other stains, however, are intrinsic, resulting from pulp inflammation and death or subsequent root canal therapy. Oral injury also changes tooth color. Intrinsic stains are very stubborn.

Maintaining a white smile

As with any aspect of your oral health, prevention always is best. Your cosmetic dentist in Grand Forks recommends diligent at-home hygiene habits such as:

• Twice a day brushing with a fluoride toothpaste
• Daily flossing to counter plaque and tartar
• Six-month check-ups and professional cleanings
• Smoking cessation for better overall and oral health and to stop tar staining
• Limiting dark drinks and foods
• Limiting acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomato sauce which de-mineralize tooth enamel
• Using a whitening rinse or toothpaste as your dentist or hygienist recommends

When you need extra help

If you experience unresponsive dental staining, please contact Dr. Erlandson's office for a cosmetic dentistry consult. He'll examine your teeth and gums and suggest ways to remove or camouflage stubborn stains.

Available in-office services include:

• Professional teeth whitening Offered as either a one-hour in-office service, or via take-home trays, whitening lifts extrinsic stains from tooth surfaces. The hydrogen peroxide gel is safe and improves tooth color by up to eight shades.
• Tooth bleaching Used after dental trauma or root canal therapy, this procedure places a strong bleaching agent into the tooth's interior chamber as part of root canal therapy.
• Porcelain veneers These thin ceramic laminates bond to the front side of teeth damaged by chips, cracks, surface pitting or deep stains. Veneers are custom-made, durable and stain-resistant.
• Composite resin bonding Dr. Erlandson repairs chips, cracks and stains with a tooth-colored blend of plastic and glass.

Look your best

Gain confidence and give yourself a reason to smile again. For more tips on excellent smile aesthetics, contact your cosmetic dentist in Grand Forks, Dr. Steven Erlandson (701)772-6581.