While some people are blessed with bright, white teeth, most of us aren’t so lucky. There are many things that can stain and discolor our teeth and leave us with a smile that we are less than proud of. Some of the major culprits for staining teeth are:
· Red wine
· Coffee and tea
· Soda
· Tobacco products
· Aging
· Poor dental hygiene
· Certain medications, such as the antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline
· Genetic history
· Amalgam fillings
· Injury or trauma to the tooth
While some things you can’t change, like your genetics or a possible injury to your mouth, there are other things you can do to prevent tooth staining:
·The best thing to do is to avoid the foods and beverages that cause staining
·Don’t use tobacco products
·Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly
·Stay away from those antibiotics that have been shown to discolor teeth if at all possible
·Consider having your silver fillings replaced with porcelain fillings. This will not only help with staining issues, but other side effects of the amalgam fillings as well.
·See your dentist every six months for a cleaning
Tooth Whitening Options
Even with preventative care, we all tend to experience darkening teeth as we age. There are several options available for tooth whitening today, such as over-the-counter whitening products, or professional tooth whitening procedures.
There are many over-the-counter products on the market today, all boasting about their amazing whitening power and outstanding results. Unfortunately, unless you have very minor staining, then these products will probably not yield the results that you expect. The main reason is because of the very low amounts of bleaching agents that the products contain.
The best option for great results is to receive a professional tooth whitening procedure, such as an in-office tooth whitening treatment or atake-home tooth whiteningkit. The whitening gels that are used in these products are professional strength and will yield fast and fantastic results.
The in-office treatment will use a dental dam to protect your mouth from the bleaching gel and to keep you from swallowing the product during use. Some procedures require the use of a laser to activate the gel. Most people are able to achieve the results they desire in just one treatment, though if you have severe staining, several treatments may be needed.
If you decide that you would like to use a take-home kit from your cosmetic dentist, you will receive custom made trays and a professional strength gel. You can achieve fantastic results while staying in the comfort of your own home.
Another Option for Long-Lasting Results
Tooth whitening gives great results, but they are relatively temporary. Even if you reduce your consumption of staining food and beverages, and practice good oral hygiene, your teeth will continue to discolor and you will need to have them whitened again. An option for long-lasting whitening of teeth isporcelain veneers.
Because porcelain veneers cover your enamel with a stain-resistant porcelain surface, they can give you whitening that lasts not a few months or a year, but for a decade or more. And they can also correct gaps and crookedness at the same time.
If you are looking for a brighter, whiter smile, please visit the website of Atlanta cosmetic dentist Dr. Brock Tekin for more information. He can help you choose the best option for your needs and expectations.
