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Have you been brushing and flossing regularly, yet your teeth don’t have the same brightness they used to, or worse, have turned a faded yellow? Yellowing teeth can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing, but it’s something most of us struggle with. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what’s the main thing they would like to improve about their smile, and most people said they would like whiter teeth. When you think about it, our teeth get used every single day – that’s a lot of wear and tear!
You may be wondering how your teeth got so tarnished all the sudden, or maybe you’ve struggled with stained teeth for a while now, and you don’t know what things you can do on your own to help prevent further yellowing. Here are a few common culprits of teeth discoloration:
- Food and Drink
- In our busy lives, getting in our caffeine fix has become a daily ritual for most people. Coffee, tea, and sodas may provide us energy throughout the day, but they contribute greatly to stains on your teeth. Red wine is also a big stain contributor. The acidity of certain drinks can also wear away the top, protective layer of your teeth.
- Tobacco Use
- The tar and nicotine found in tobacco work to create a yellowish, surface-blemishing substance.
- Age
- As we grow older, our tooth enamel (the hard, white outer shell of your teeth) wears away, and exposes the dentin – the darker, yellowish layer underneath.
- Trauma
- Trauma to teeth can cause them to change color as the tooth reacts to injury by producing more dentin (the darker layer underneath the enamel).
- Medications
- Some medications and chemotherapy can darken your teeth. Young children exposed to certain antibiotics when their teeth were forming may experience teeth discoloration later in life.
Now that you are aware of what causes stains on teeth, what can you do about it? Here are some solutions for obtaining whiter teeth:
- Stain Removing Toothpastes
- You’ll want to make sure whichever whitening toothpaste you choose, that is has the ADA Seal of Acceptance on it. This remedy only goes so far, as toothpastes can only remove stains on the surface.
- Over-the-counter whitening strips
- Again, you will want to choose a product that has the ADA acceptance. Keep in mind, the bleaching agents in these strips will not be as effective as what your dentist would use, so don’t expect the same results. Tooth sensitivity may occur, but should only be temporary. Overusing whiteners can damage your teeth, so make sure you consult your dentist before using these and follow the product instructions.
- Professional Dental Whitening Services
- This is where we come in! Professional teeth whitening services at your dentists’ office is your best option to get the brilliant smile you want. At Simply Smiles, our services can be tailored to your specific needs, and we will make sure you are getting the best treatment for your individual smile.
- We offer KOR Professional whitening, which is widely recognized as the most effective teeth whitening system. Our in-office whitening treatments take about an hour, and we also offer home whitening options. Our expert staff at Simply Smiles will fabricate custom trays for you to use at home for 10 days. Both options will yield sparkling results!
Follow this link to our website to learn more about our available whitening services, and check out these tips for maintaining your white smile after your treatment:
- Rinse your mouth after eating and drinking.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- Avoid beverages that stain teeth, or use a straw while drinking.
- Enjoy foods that are good for your teeth – apples, strawberries, leafy greens.
- Brush twice a day.
- Floss daily to prevent plaque from building up.
- Schedule regular dental checkups!
Keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings will help you maintain your pearly whites. The hygienist will polish away any surface stains, and the dentist will be able to offer personalized recommendations on how to avoid future discoloration. Here at Simply Smiles, we would love to help you gain your confidence back so that you can relax and simply, smile.
Linked sources:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening
https://www.getquip.com/blog/whitening/