To have a nice, white smile is to have confidence and an enhanced appearance. Nobody likes gross, scraggly, gnarly, or stained chompers. Unfortunately, teeth tend to become discolored over time due to various factors. Understanding the common causes of tooth discoloration allows us to take steps to prevent it and look into effective whitening options.
The most major factor in tooth discoloration is age. As we grow older, the outer enamel layer of our teeth gradually wears away. Erosion reveals the dentin beneath, which has a yellowish hue, making our teeth appear less white. Diet and lifestyle also play a significant role in staining. Regularly consuming foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can make teeth noticeably discolored quickly. Smoking and tobacco use can further contribute to yellowing and darkening of the teeth. Certain medications are another common cause. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and other medications can sometimes have tooth discoloration as a side effect, altering the natural shade of your smile.
How Teeth Whitening Can Help
Recently, teeth whitening has become a popular dental procedure for people looking to brighten their smiles a bit. Whitening removes stains and discoloration from the enamel, giving teeth a lighter and cleaner appearance. Three different methods of whitening exist…
- In-office Whitening – Performed by a dentist, this procedure involves applying a concentration of whitening gel to the teeth and then using a special light to activate the gel. You can see significant results in just one session, making it an excellent choice for those wanting fast, noticeable changes, but the dentist visit cannot be avoided.
- At-home whitening kits – Kits are available over the counter at your local drugstore or can be purchased online. Typically, the kits include custom-made trays and whitening gel. At-home kits allow you to whiten your teeth gradually from the comfort of your home. No insurance covers at-home whitening kits like they do dentist visits.
- Whitening toothpaste and chewing gum – Toothpaste formulated for whitening helps remove surface stains, although they’re far less powerful than professional whitening or at-home kits. Whitening toothpaste can still make teeth appear slightly brighter over time, especially with regular use and the addition of whitening chewing gum.
Before considering any whitening procedure, consult with your dentist. A professional evaluates your oral health and determines if teeth whitening suits you. Whitening might not be an option for individuals with sensitive teeth or gum disease because it can exacerbate these issues.
4 Easy Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Shiny and Bright
- Stay away from tobacco.
- Limit your coffee, tea, and red wine intake.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, but more if you eat any of the abovementioned items.
- Don’t ignore the dentist. Go every six months for a professional cleaning and listen to the tips and tricks they give you.
Caring 4 Smiles Dental Group is a team of modern and friendly dentists who offer teeth whitening Auckland residents love, located in the heart of Epsom. The team takes pride in offering the highest quality dental care at affordable prices in a modern and friendly clinic.