Teeth Whitening Specialist

Why are my teeth discolored?

If you’re thinking that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, you’re likely not mistaken. The natural aging process and wear-and-tear from the regular functioning of your teeth takes its toll on everyone’s mouth. Color pigments called chromogens are present in food and drink, and these attach to tooth enamel, dulling its appearance. 

Dentin, the dark tissue of your teeth, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away. Some primary causes for teeth discoloration include:

Dark food and beverages

Coffee, tea, and wine are the biggest staining culprits when it comes to your diet. Berries and soy sauce, and other dark-colored food and beverages are also notorious culprits.

Smoking and tobacco

Smokers and other tobacco users face a double hit. Tobacco tar is naturally dark and creates stains on its own, while at the same time, nicotine, which is normally colorless, mixes with oxygen in the air, creating a yellowish substance that also adheres to teeth and stains.

Aging

Getting older thins the outer enamel of your teeth. Since it’s translucent, more of the yellow dentin, the inner tooth layer, shows through the enamel. Teeth may also discolor due to injury, dental work, or in reaction to medications or cancer treatments.

Certain medications, traumatic injuries, and fluorosis (from overexposure to fluoride in early childhood) can also cause a type of stain the begins from within the teeth. 

How does teeth whitening work?

Although typical dental cleaning can often brighten your teeth, whitening processes use one of two bleaches, hydrogen or carbamide peroxides. Commercial “whitening toothpaste” have whitening agents that may only be effective toward certain stains. They also might have abrasive substances that can actually be harmful to enamel.

Professional teeth whitening done at Willow Glen Dental Center involves formulas that are much stronger than those you can purchase over-the-counter. Since office whitening is supervised by trained personnel who perform these procedures frequently, it’s often the safest and most effective method. 

Dental bleaches in professional teeth whitening formulas break up particles that cause stains, giving your teeth a brighter, whiter look that may be several shades brighter than your teeth were at the start of the procedure. 

Whitening doesn’t protect against future staining, so you may need retreatment periodically, to maintain brightness. Results can last as long as five years if done properly. Over-the-counter whitening systems are somewhat effective, as long as they are monitored and directions followed closely.

To learn more about professional teeth whitening services, call Willow Glen Dental Center today or book online.