Having perfectly white teeth doesn’t necessarily indicate a healthy smile, but it can certainly make you feel better about the appearance of your teeth. Teeth can become yellowed or stained for multiple reasons, and there are two types of tooth discolouration.
Tooth staining can be extrinsic or external, affecting your tooth enamel, or it can be intrinsic or internal, affecting the inner part of the tooth. It’s important to make the distinction because it affects the treatment recommended to restore a whiter smile in Oshawa. It’s also why it’s important to see a dentist before using any whitening products, including those you can buy over-the-counter or home remedies. When you see our dentist here at Margolian Dentistry, we can assess your overall dental health and the colour of your teeth, determine why your teeth are stained, and the best way to treat this issue. Possible causes of tooth staining are listed below.
Genetics
The colour of teeth can vary enormously, and some people have naturally white teeth while others have teeth that can appear yellow or orange or even grey. Often this is determined by genetics.
Ageing
As you get older, teeth can begin to look yellow because the protective layer of tooth enamel gradually wears down, revealing more of the tooth’s natural colour in the dentin underneath. Tooth enamel consent because of the general wear and tear and exposure to acids in foods and drinks.
Lifestyle Factors
Your choice of foods and drinks can stain your teeth, and as a general rule, if something stains your clothes, it will also discolour your tooth enamel. Typical culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and any brightly coloured or very acidic food. Another cause is smoking, as nicotine can stain tooth enamel and poses significant oral health and general health risks.
As a Side-Effect of Medication
Certain medications can discolour teeth, including antibiotics, especially tetracycline prescribed while teeth are still developing.
Exposure to Excess Fluoride
If your teeth are exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride while they are still developing, it can cause white lacy flecks or brown stains on your teeth. Public water supplies and toothpaste will only contain safe fluoride levels, and this condition can often occur if someone drinks unregulated well water.
Whitening Teeth Safely
For the best results, it’s better to have your teeth whitened professionally, a very affordable treatment. We can ensure your teeth whitening treatment in Whitby is safe and effective using professional strength whitening products that are not available to the general public and help reduce tooth sensitivity. Options include whitening in our dental office or using a custom home whitening kit.
Zoom Whitening in Office Treatment
We offer Zoom whitening, one of the safest and most effective systems worldwide. We use a special blue light to activate the whitening gel painted onto your teeth, lifting even deep-seated stains. The results can be dramatic, brightening your teeth in as little as an hour. It’s the perfect solution if you have a special event or want a brighter smile quickly.
Custom Home Whitening Kit
An alternative is a custom home whitening kit containing special trays that fit precisely over your teeth and are filled with a prescribed whitening gel. You simply fill the trays as shown and wear them for a few hours or overnight. Your teeth will look visibly brighter within just a few days, and it generally takes two or three weeks to get the full results. The advantage of whitening at home is that you can control the process more easily, and it’s especially good for anyone with sensitive teeth in Ajax. Also, you can almost certainly reuse the trays when you need to top up the results.