Teeth Whitening - What Causes Discoloration in the First Place?
There are multiple reasons everybody's teeth grow progressively duller over time (unless man-made materials such as bridgework or veneers are involved).
Coffee, colas, hard water, fast foods and even medication are forces that could put a damper on the brightness in anyone's smile.
As a result, nearly every living person could benefit from a little teeth whitening maintenance at least 1-2 times per year.
But what are the primary causes of discoloration? And other than periodic use of a professional whitening kit or an over-the-counter product, what can you do? There are three primary types of tooth discoloration.
Which of these applies most directly to you? Extrinsic discoloration.
This occurs when the outer enamel layer of the tooth is stained by external forces such as foods or drinks or smoking.
At this level, the best approach is the most straightforward-a thorough cleaning by a dentist or hygienist is more than just prevention of cavities.
Professional cleaning removes the "pellicle" which is a thin layer of organic protein that coats the tooth surface and tends to attract and hold bacteria and staining products like glue.
In addition to regular dental cleanings, whitening toothpastes that contain mild abrasive ingredients may be helpful in removing these mild surface stains.
Intrinsic discoloration.
Intrinsic stains are a more serious issue that can occur when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) turns yellow and dark.
Intrinsic stains include the discoloration from fluorides and antibiotics, and will require more aggressive treatment with methods such as professional strength (10% concentration or higher) carbamide peroxide gel in conjunction with a custom fit whitening.
Don't overdo it-too frequent or too lengthy bleaching can actually worsen discoloration by weakening the enamel layer.
And you should never bleach your teeth if untreated cavities in your teeth are exposed - this could cause significant pain and issues far worse than a visible tooth surface that is less than an optimal shade.
But with periodic and careful use, a custom home whitening kit, coupled with regular professional cleanings, could be one of the best cosmetic steps you could take.
Coffee, colas, hard water, fast foods and even medication are forces that could put a damper on the brightness in anyone's smile.
As a result, nearly every living person could benefit from a little teeth whitening maintenance at least 1-2 times per year.
But what are the primary causes of discoloration? And other than periodic use of a professional whitening kit or an over-the-counter product, what can you do? There are three primary types of tooth discoloration.
Which of these applies most directly to you? Extrinsic discoloration.
This occurs when the outer enamel layer of the tooth is stained by external forces such as foods or drinks or smoking.
At this level, the best approach is the most straightforward-a thorough cleaning by a dentist or hygienist is more than just prevention of cavities.
Professional cleaning removes the "pellicle" which is a thin layer of organic protein that coats the tooth surface and tends to attract and hold bacteria and staining products like glue.
In addition to regular dental cleanings, whitening toothpastes that contain mild abrasive ingredients may be helpful in removing these mild surface stains.
Intrinsic discoloration.
Intrinsic stains are a more serious issue that can occur when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) turns yellow and dark.
Intrinsic stains include the discoloration from fluorides and antibiotics, and will require more aggressive treatment with methods such as professional strength (10% concentration or higher) carbamide peroxide gel in conjunction with a custom fit whitening.
Don't overdo it-too frequent or too lengthy bleaching can actually worsen discoloration by weakening the enamel layer.
And you should never bleach your teeth if untreated cavities in your teeth are exposed - this could cause significant pain and issues far worse than a visible tooth surface that is less than an optimal shade.
But with periodic and careful use, a custom home whitening kit, coupled with regular professional cleanings, could be one of the best cosmetic steps you could take.
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