Stained, Discolored Teeth? How to Get Your Teeth Their Whitest!
Whiter teeth is the essence of a perfect smile, learn more here
Confident. Bright. Healthy. That's what you should see in the mirror when you smile.
However, if your teeth are dull and discolored instead of white and bright, then you might be missing out on your most confident smile. If you're like the 81% of people who think their teeth look unattractive in photos , it might be time to seek a solution.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get that confident, healthy smile through tooth whitening techniques and practices. Let's take a look at how to get your teeth their whitest!
A Brief Intro to Tooth Structure
To start, it's important to understand the basics of tooth structure when it comes to discoloration and staining. Although each tooth is a complicated structure, we can break it down into three major layers :
- Pulp. The innermost part of the tooth, the pulp goes down into your gums and contains nerves, blood, and connective tissue
- Dentin. This hard layers surrounds and protects the pump, forming the bulk of your tooth. Dentin is naturally yellowish in color.
- Enamel. The hard outer covering or your teeth that protects the dentin and the pulp and coats the dentin.
The outermost layer, the enamel, is what we see when we smile. Because it makes contact with all the food, drinks, and bacteria of your everyday life, it's vulnerable to damage and staining. When your enamel erodes, it can begin to show the yellowish dentin underneath, contributing to discoloration.
Common Reasons for Discolored Teeth
Depending on the circumstances, discolored teeth can present themselves in a few different ways. In some, the surface of each tooth will have a uniform discoloration. Others will see discoloration concentrated in a couple of teeth, or in the spaces between the teeth. Here are some common reasons for discolored teeth :
- Genetics. Some people are born with enamel that is naturally more thin than others', allowing the yellowish dentin to shine through.
- Medication. Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline and doxycycline, can discolor children's teeth if taken before the age of eight. In addition, antihistamines can discolor adult teeth, as can certain antipsychotic and blood pressure medications.
- Aging. As you get older, your enamel naturally gets worn away, revealing the yellowish color of the dentin beneath.
- Smoking . In addition to damaging your gums and teeth, the nicotine and tar in tobacco actively stain teeth yellow and brown.
- Food & Beverages . Red wine and coffee contain strong pigments that discolor teeth. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons contain acids that can wear down enamel and cause discoloration. Soft drinks degrade your enamel through phosphoric acid, causing staining.
- Poor oral hygiene. Without brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist regularly, plaque can build up on your enamel and increase discoloration.
- Tooth decay & trauma. If your teeth are compromised, either from external injury or from tooth decay, they can discolor.
Though this list might seem daunting, there is good news: in most situations, your dentist can help you address your tooth discoloration with an option that works for your teeth. In cases of tooth decay or damage, your dentist will probably seek to fix some of the underlying issues before applying a whitening protocol.
Professional Whitening Options
In Ancient Egypt, around 4000 years ago, white teeth were a sign of status and health. Egyptians would make a paste from ground pumice and white vinegar and apply it to their teeth to whiten them. Later, Ancient Romans harnessed the power of urine's natural ammonia content to whiten their teeth. Luckily, there have been some significant advancements in whitening technology since then. Many tooth whitening solutions contains these elements:
- Hydrogen Peroxide. One of the most effective tooth whitening solutions available, hydrogen peroxide works by going straight to the source — it targets the complex molecules in the enamel that cause discoloration.
- Carbamide Peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is formed when hydrogen peroxide is mixed with urea. It works to extend the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide.
If you visit a dentist for professional whitening options, it's likely they will work with some combination of these elements. However, depending on your situation, there are several different teeth whitening options:
Over the Counter Whitening
In some situations, you might be able to acquire over-the-counter whitening solutions that are available at pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription. You'll apply the solution at home following the packaging instructions.
Take Home Whitening
If you visit your dentist for a consultation, they might send you home with a take-home whitening system. Unlike the generic over-the-counter system, this would be created with a custom whitening tray made to fit your mouth. This is a good option for those with more advanced discoloration, since it's tailored for every unique situation. Once home, you would follow your dentist's instructions for applying the tooth whitening solution. In most cases, will take around seven to ten days to see results with this method.
In-office Whitening
This method produces near-instant results. Your dentist applies a whitening solution to your teeth and uses a special LED light source which activates the whitening solution to work immediately. Using advanced dental technology like the PHILIPS ZOOM!, they can target your discoloration in the office, whitening teeth within an hour.
Ways to Keep Your Teeth White
In between sessions with your dental professional, you'll definitely want to put effort into keeping your teeth white for as long as possible. Although it's difficult to control certain aging, medication-based, and genetic factors, there are definitely some things you can control. Here's how to keep your teeth white at home:
- Rinse & Use a Straw. Coffee, red wine, oranges, and other acidic foods and drinks can discolor your teeth. To minimize this side effect, you might want to consider drinking staining beverages through a straw. Rinse your mouth out with water after consuming citrus fruits or acidic, staining beverages like wine. Finally, avoid brushing your teeth afterwards for 30 minutes since acids can weaken the enamel.
- Limit soda. Bubbly, sugary drinks like soda can contribute to tooth staining by eroding enamel. Firstly, the sugar can react with bacteria on your teeth to create plaque. Secondly, the phosphoric acid in soft drinks can erode your enamel. Minimize your intake of sugary carbonated drinks to prevent staining.
- Quit Smoking. Nicotine and tar cause rapid staining of the teeth. Quit smoking to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
- Brush & Floss. Plaque and tartar are major contributors to discoloration, and also put your enamel in danger of erosion. Make sure that you brush and floss regularly to prevent the build-up of plaque.
- chedule Dental Visits. Your dentist is a powerful ally in keeping your teeth white. Make sure to schedule regular tooth cleanings and check-ups with your dentist.
It's Time to Get Your Brightest, Most Confident Smile
If you're ready to embrace a confident, glowing smile, it's time to schedule a consultation with a dental professional. They'll take into account your unique situation, and help tailor an option that works best for you.
At Salgra Dental Group, we take pride in offering individualized care for patients seeking whitening services. We offer kind and compassionate care — along with the latest in dental technology — to help you embrace your most beautiful smile. Contact us today if you're ready to get your teeth their whitest!
