Stained Teeth? How to Get a Whiter, Brighter Smile
A bright, white smile is a true asset at work and in your personal life. Are you hiding your smile because your teeth are dull, yellowed, and discolored? You don't have to. Here are five ways you can get that beautiful smile you've always dreamed of.
Types of Teeth Stains
Understanding the underlying reason for your tooth discoloration is the first step in improving the appearance of your teeth. Yellow, brown, black, or otherwise discolored teeth are caused by a variety of things and can be categorized in the following ways.
Extrinsic Teeth Stains
This type of tooth staining only affects the surface of the tooth. This type of stain is most often caused by the regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods. In addition, cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco use can also lead to discoloration.
Intrinsic Teeth Stains
A tooth stain of this type works its way through the exterior of the tooth into the enamel. Excessive fluoride use is one of the most common causes of intrinsic stains. In addition, some medications and medical treatments can cause teeth to stain.
Age-Related Teeth Stains
As we age, the dentin layer of our teeth becomes yellow and the enamel layer above it gets thinner. In addition to this natural intrinsic staining, long-term consumption of tooth-staining foods and beverages and tobacco use contribute to yellowing teeth in the elderly.
Dental Problems
In addition to food, beverage, and lifestyle choices, your dental health affects your tooth color. Issues like untreated tooth decay, tartar buildup, advanced cavities, and tooth damage can all cause teeth to become discolored. Addressing the root of the problem will often resolve the tooth stains.
What's the Best Way to Remove Teeth Stains?
A white smile is a sign of health, vitality, and youth. Stained, discolored teeth, on the other hand, give an entirely different impression. Getting your teeth to the bright, white shade you want them to be can be a challenge, but several products and procedures can help you achieve your goals. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to tooth whitening. Every case is unique, but the most common teeth whitening procedures include:
Regular Brushing and Flossing
The best way to get teeth white and to keep them white is to avoid things that stain them, but that's not always practical. But, you can fight back with good oral hygiene. Brush and floss after every meal, and whenever you consume tooth-staining foods and drinks.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
For extrinsic stains caused by food, beverages, and tobacco use, over-the-counter tooth whitening products like toothpaste and strips may be effective. However, these types of products are much less effective at removing deeper, intrinsic stains.
In-Office Whitening Treatments
For very stained teeth, in-office whitening treatments at Charlotte Dental Esthetics are generally recommended. Like home whitening kits, the process uses hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth, although it's in much higher concentration than at-home versions. In-office treatments take effect quickly and last longer than over-the-counter whiteners.
At-Home Treatments
In some cases, at-home teeth whitening treatments are a good alternative to over-the-counter or in-office treatments. This technique involves creating custom trays that fit snugly onto your teeth. You'll be given a gel that's added to the tray which you'll wear for an hour or so a day until you achieve the results you desire.
How to Choose the Right Teeth Whitening Procedure
With all the products and procedures available for teeth whitening, it can be hard to decide which one is the right option. You want the best results, and you don't want to put yourself or your teeth through any unnecessary trauma. Remember that over-the-counter solutions only treat extrinsic stains, and won't do much for age-related or intrinsic stains.
Don't let your stained teeth keep you from smiling your brightest, happiest smile. Contact us at Charlotte Dental Esthetics to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening today. After a thorough examination of your teeth, we'll recommend a course of action that will take your smile from dull to spectacular in short order.