What causes tooth discoloration?
Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental cleanings, are the best way to keep your teeth bright, white, and healthy. However, over time, your good dental hygiene habits may not be enough to keep a sparkly smile.
Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include:
Color pigments in foods and beverages
Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries contain intense color pigments that stain the white enamel that surrounds your teeth.
Tobacco use
Tar and nicotine are chemicals in tobacco products that stain teeth. Tar creates dark brown or black stains, while nicotine causes the surface of your teeth to yellow.
Injury
Injury or trauma to a tooth triggers your tooth to lay down more dentin, which is the hard, dark tissue underneath your enamel. The additional dentin may cause the injured tooth to appear darker than the surrounding teeth.
Aging
Years of eating and brushing wears away the white enamel that covers teeth, allowing the darker, more yellow dentin to show through.
Medication
Your dull smile may be an unfortunate side effect of the medication you take to control blood pressure or manage your allergies.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening breaks up the stains on the surface of your teeth. This process decreases the concentration of the tooth stains, creating a whiter, brighter smile.
Archie Dental Group uses Philips Zoom!® in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening. In-office teeth whitening involves placing a highly concentrated bleaching gel on your teeth. The technician then applies light from a special whitening lamp. Your teeth will be several shades lighter in three 20-minute sessions.
You may also choose at-home dentist-supervised whitening. This at-home version may complement in-office procedures or be used exclusively to whiten your teeth. You’re given customized soft plastic trays that hold the specialized bleaching gel. You’ll wear these trays 30 minutes twice per day for about two weeks. Longer use may clear up severe, stubborn stains.
How do I take care of my teeth after teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening can improve the brightness of your smile, but the results aren’t permanent. To maintain your new look, your dentist recommends you continue your good dental hygiene habits, including daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings.
Avoiding foods and drinks that stain your teeth may also prolong the effects of your teeth whitening. However, if you can’t give up your morning coffee, consider using a straw when drinking the teeth-staining beverage. Rinsing your mouth after eating and drinking may also help prevent stains from setting in.
To schedule your teeth whitening consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
*Individual results may vary
