Teeth are an important part of our daily hygiene routine. It’s unfortunate that it takes more than the brushing twice a day and flossing after meals to maintain the level of health our teeth deserve. Having clean teeth is one part of the battle, but having white teeth is another story. Certain things we should know about our teeth are external factors can contribute to a color change, there are only a few options for teeth whitening, and whitening teeth is not a solution to every case.
External Factors and Color Change
Various factors can affect the color of your teeth over time. Red wine, coffee, and tea are prone to staining tooth enamel. Tobacco use creates stubborn stains on the outer surface of the teeth. As you get older, the outer enamel of the teeth thins out from brushing and the softer yellow-toned area shows through. Trauma can cause your tooth to produce more layers of the softer darker under area, which can make your outer shell appear darker. Tooth darkening can also be a side effect of certain medications, chemotherapy, and head and neck radiation.
Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth whitening is completed by using teeth bleaching products that break down stains into smaller pieces, which reduces the color. The options for teeth whitening include in-chair bleaching and at-home bleaching. Chairside bleaching requires one visit to the dentist where your gums are protected while a bleach and special light are applied to your teeth. The light is used to enhance the whitening agent. At-home bleaching is done by placing a tray with the bleaching gel on your teeth. The gel contains peroxide with whiteners. Another option is a whitening strip that sticks to your teeth. The at-home methods are not going to be as effective as a dental visit.
When Teeth Whitening Isn’t the Best Option
Teeth whitening is not for everyone. There could be temporary side effects of the whitening which is tooth sensitivity. Sometimes the peroxide from the whitener gel gets through the enamel to the softer layer of the tooth. This penetration can irritate the nerve of your tooth. Another concern is that whitening does not work on all teeth. It is important that you consult your dentist before a tooth whitening to see if whitening will work for your case. Yellow teeth may bleach well but brown teeth may not. Teeth with gray tones may not be bleachable at all. Whitening also does not work on caps, crowns or fillings or veneers. It also will not work on discoloration caused by medications or trauma. I consulted tooth whitening Frankston for my options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are other factors that may be responsible for the discoloration in your teeth. take note of anything listed above that you might be or have been involved in from the past. Remember discoloration does take time. When teeth whitening is a concern it is best to consult with your doctor before doing any whitening on your own. You don’t want to do anything to make the situation worse.
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