Causes of Tooth Discoloration and Teeth Whitening Solutions
Do you have discolored or stained teeth? Try teeth whitening to help improve the appearance of your teeth. Read on to learn more.
Tooth whitening is a process that involves lighting the natural shade of the tooth.There are many options for you to choose from you can try home whitening kits or whitening treatments offered by a dentist.
Many teeth whitening treatments are conventional, as long as you follow the directions that come with the product. You can book an appointment with your dentist to find out more about teeth whitening treatments near you.
Factors That May Affect the Color of Your Dentine
Drinks and food
Examples of significant staining culprits include red wine, coffee, and tea. They have color pigments known as chromogens that discolor the enamel.
Tobacco
It contains tar and nicotine that cancause stubborn stains. Nicotine is colorless, but when it reacts with oxygen, its color changes to a staining yellow, while tar has a dark appearance.
Age
Dentin is a soft area located below the enamel. As we grow old, brushing thins out the outer enamel layer, which exposes the dentin underneath. This gives your teeth a yellow-appearance.
Trauma
Getting hit in the mouth may make the tooth change color because its reaction to an injury is laying down more dentin.
Medications
Some high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and antipsychotics can result in tooth darkening. Teeth might also darken due to chemo therapy and head and neck radiation.
Teeth Whitening Options
Due to the availability of different products and teeth whitening treatments, it can be challenging to decide on which ones to settle for.
Whitening methods are grouped into three general categories:
- Administered by the dentist
- Home whitening kits dispensed by the dentist
- Made at home or obtained over the counter with no oversight from the dentist
The following factors might influence your decision when choosing a whitening method:
- Type of discoloration
- Treatment cost
- Age
- Dental history, including crowns and fillings
Before trying whitening methods, you should first discuss it with your dentist. The dentist will recommend a treatment plan that suits your needs.
The treatment you choose to whiten your teeth and the type of discoloration determine the time it will take your teeth to become lighter.
Professional Teeth Whitening
The dentist can use various methods to lighten your teeth at home or in the office. Most treatments use carbamide peroxide to bleach the teeth. It breaks down to urea and hydrogen peroxide, and during the chemical reaction, it targets the color of the tooth.
In-Office treatment
This type of treatment works very quickly, and its effect can last longer. Usually, the treatment takes about an hour. However, in some cases, you may require a few visits to lighten your teeth. This is because applied products contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the products people use at home.
Dentists recommend in-office treatments to patients with abfraction lesions or receding gums.
When applying the lightening product to the teeth, the dentist might use light to help speed up the process.
At-Home treatment dispensed by your dentist
The dentist will make custom-fittrays that can perfectly fit in your mouth. Add the gel to the tray and wear it. You should stay with the tray on for about 30 to 60 minutes every day, depending on the dentist’s instructions.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Stains
Limit staining beverages and food
Coffee, dark berries and soda are known for staining teeth. You don’t have to avoid them entirely; limit the amount of time they contact the teeth.
Drinking beverages with a straw prevents direct contact with the teeth.
Brush your teeth immediately after consuming such types of foods.
Limit your sugar intake
High sugar consumption supports the growth of bacteria, which in turn causes gingivitis and plaque. Brush often after eating sugary foods.
Ensure your diet has plenty of calcium
Some tooth discoloration is a result of erosion of the enamel. Calcium-rich foods like cheese, milk, and broccoli might help protect the teeth from corrosion.
Brush and floss regularly
Tooth discoloration can also result due to plaque buildup.Brushing and flossing reduce bacteria in the mouth, thus preventing plaque buildup.
If you are interested in teeth whitening treatment, you can visit Rejuvenate Dental Arts. Our dentist in Bethel, CT, offers different whitening solutions such as zoom teeth whitening and laser teeth whitening.