What Causes Discoloration of Teeth?
Ever since professional teeth whitening became popular, many people feel dissatisfied with the lack of brightness of their teeth. Those who can’t afford this popular cosmetic dentistry procedure buy over-the-counter kits to try to improve the shade of their teeth at home. Unfortunately, they may end up repeating the process too often when they encounter disappointing results. Because whitening too frequently may not be healthy for your teeth, it is recommended to have it done professionally by a dentist.
The Effects of Overbleaching Your Teeth
Both professional teeth whitening kits and those you can buy at the drugstore contain carbamide peroxide. While this chemical does whiten the teeth, it can also cause the following problems when not used as guided by a dentist and when used too frequently:
• Gum irritation
• Receding of the gum line
• Brittle teeth
• Chalky and thin appearance to the teeth
• Translucent teeth, which means that it’s easier to see through them
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Damage to the roots of teeth
A dentist can evaluate your own situation and will discuss what is best for your teeth.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
One of the most common causes of discoloration of the teeth is a lack of proper oral hygiene. The good news is that it’s also the easiest one to fix. You might feel amazed at the difference it makes when you commit to brushing and flossing your teeth a minimum of twice a day. It’s also important to use high-quality toothpaste and to clean, using a back-and-forth motion, for several minutes at a time.
Using dental floss and mouthwash regularly also helps to remove food particles and bacteria that can affect the appearance of your teeth. Another thing to consider is that an electronic toothbrush can get your teeth much cleaner than you could achieve with a manual toothbrush. Most have a 45-degree angle that allows for automated cleaning of your teeth and gum line, which means you clean areas other toothbrushes could easily miss.
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking wine, and frequently eating dark-colored foods are also common causes of tooth discoloration. If you engage in the first two, we recommend quitting for the sake of your oral and physical health. As for dark-colored foods and beverages, use them in moderation and brush your teeth immediately afterward before stains have a chance to set in permanently.
Don’t Skip Your Preventive Care Exams
Having your teeth cleaned by your dentist twice a year may be all you need to increase their brightness. If you still feel they’re not white enough, speak to your dentist about how often you should bleach them professionally or with a store-bought kit. Keep in mind that it’s not possible to remove all discoloration by whitening your teeth. Your dentist is always the best person to advise you on this procedure.
Contact Suburban Essex Dental located in West Orange, NJ. Our friendly staff and expert Dentist, Dr. Paul Feldman will be happy to help you. Dr. Paul Feldman, DMD, FAGD, FICOI has been rated “Top Dentist” in the New Jersey Monthly for 8 years straight. Contact Suburban Essex Dental and let us help you brighten your teeth and smile.
