tooth discoloration

Does Whitening Toothpaste Do Anything?

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry

If your smile is looking a little yellow or discolored, there are a variety of dental treatment options that can perfect your smile. Between cosmetic dental treatments to over-the-counter products, you may wonder where to start. If you feel overwhelmed at where to start with how to get your teeth whiter, you are not alone. Having a white smile is not only aesthetically beautiful. But it can also boost your confidence. Below you will find more information on how to get your smile white, and whether over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste actually does anything. So, does whitening toothpaste do anything?

Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatment

You will likely find a good chunk of over-the-counter whitening products that will make claims that they can whiten your teeth. This is partially true as things such as whitening toothpaste can help slightly reduce the impact of surface stains. They often can help remove surface stains caused by drinking coffee or smoking, but they will not change the natural color of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste also cannot address stains that go beyond the surface of your teeth. If you don’t have naturally white teeth, you’ll need more than over-the-counter treatment options to get a whiter smile. Depending on your aesthetic goals, professional cosmetic dental treatments can help whiten your smile much more effectively.

Cosmetic Dental Treatments

If you are considering perfecting your smile, there are a variety of treatment options depending on your needs. Cosmetic dentistry in Arcadia can help you feel much more confident about your smile. Below you will find the most common cosmetic dental treatments.

Teeth Whitening Treatment:

If you are just unhappy with the color of your natural teeth, teeth whitening is a great option. Unlike over-the-counter treatment options, teeth bleaching can reach the deeper layers of your teeth. Depending on how stained your teeth are, you may need to get multiple treatments to get to the color you want. So long as you have a consistent oral hygiene routine, your results can last and will only require periodic follow-up whitening treatments.

Veneers:

If you don’t like the color of your natural teeth and also want to change the shape, size, or length of your teeth, dental veneers are a great option. Veneers are custom-made, thin, tooth-colored shells that go over your natural teeth. They can address a variety of issues in addition to whitening your teeth, including crooked, damaged, chipped, or even gaps in your teeth. The veneers can be customized exactly how you’d like them in terms of both color and shape. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are a permanent option to perfect your smile. Caring for your veneers is similar to your natural teeth. So you won’t need to drastically change your daily oral care routine.

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White

If you have gotten a teeth whitening treatment, veneers, or any other cosmetic dentistry treatment, it’s important to take steps to maintain your results. You should follow the directions of your dentist as they are aware of your unique dental needs. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy oral care routine. This means you’ll need to brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes and floss at least once a day. You should also use mouthwash after you eat when you cannot brush your teeth. In addition to brushing, stay away from foods that can cause stains, such as coffee, tea, sugar, and processed foods.

Premier Dentist in Arcadia

If your teeth are discolored and you are interested in teeth whitening options, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible and ensure you get the right treatments for your unique dental needs, including teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments. Contact the premier dentist in Arcadia today to make an appointment!

Tooth Discoloration Causes

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Categories: Cosmetic dentistry, Teeth whitening

As you age, you will notice that your teeth become less white and may appear more stained. This is completely natural. However, some habits may cause your teeth to appear more stained than normal. Below you will find the most common tooth discoloration causes and how you can address the look of stained teeth.

Tooth Discoloration Causes

There are three reasons your teeth may be discolored, including extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related causes. Extrinsic discoloration is caused by things that come into contact with your teeth. This could be things like smoking or what you eat or drink. Intrinsic discoloration is caused by something inside your body. This could be your medication or even a medical condition. Lastly, age-related discoloration is natural and happens as time passes. Below you will find the most common causes of tooth discoloration.

Diet:

What you eat and drink can have a major impact on the color of your teeth. Things like coffee, tea, soda, wine, sugary foods like candy, pastries, and suckers can all cause discoloration and stain your teeth. The sugar mixes with harmful bacteria in your mouth and can damage your enamel.

Dental Hygiene:

If you aren’t taking proper care of your teeth, they will definitely become stained. At a minimum, you should be brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash after you eat if you cannot brush right away. A healthy oral care routine can keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy.

Smoking:

Things like chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes will inevitably lead to tooth discoloration among other harmful things. Quitting is your best option due to the harmful effects of nicotine.

Genetics and Aging:

As you age your teeth become discolored because the outer layer of your tooth eventually wears away. The outer layer is referred to as the enamel and weakens as you get older. Family history also plays a part in the color of your teeth. If your family has white teeth, you may get lucky! However, take proper care of your teeth anyway to ensure that your teeth stay white and you have a healthy mouth.

Medical Conditions:

Some medical conditions can cause issues with your enamel and the second layer of your teeth (often referred to as “dentin”). Issues with both your enamel and dentin can cause your teeth to look discolored. Talk with your doctor and consult with a dentist if you notice the issue persisting.

Teeth Whitening Treatment Options

Once you have stained teeth, it’s really difficult to reverse the discoloration without a dentist’s intervention. Teeth whitening treatment can greatly improve the look of your teeth and completely brighten your smile. There are major benefits to teeth whitening Arcadia, including a more youthful appearance, a more attractive smile, and it can even increase your self-confidence. Whitening treatments can be done in the office and there is no downtime. You’ll see results immediately, and continued treatments can keep your smile looking bright. With a healthy oral hygiene routine and lifestyle your treatment can last up to one year. Before getting treatment, you’ll need to have a consultation with a dentist to ensure you are a good candidate.

Best Cosmetic Dentist Arcadia

If your teeth have become discolored (regardless of the tooth discoloration causes) and you want to get rid of the stains, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible and ensure you get the right treatments for your unique dental needs. They are skilled in teeth whitening treatments and have helped numerous patients achieve their desired aesthetic. Contact their office and make an appointment today!