Some people won’t consider professional whitening because they fear their teeth will look unnaturally bright. But think about it – teeth are naturally white and lustrous, until other factors cause them to become yellowed, grayed, dull, or dingy. While children can be subject to some of those factors, babies and youngsters normally have very white teeth.
The primary culprits of dental discoloration are:
- Use of tobacco. Cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco not only stain your teeth, they greatly increase your risk of gum disease, oral cancers, and many other health problems.
- Negligent oral hygiene. The longer plaque sits on your teeth, the greater the chance it’ll stain. Brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings keep it at bay.
- Beverages. Coffee, tea, red wine, and cola leave their marks.
- Foods. Apples and potatoes are good for you, but acidic foods make dental enamel more porous and stain-grabbing. Dark colored berries can leave discoloration.
- Medical conditions. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications may leave deep, sometimes permanent stains. Trauma (from a fall, accident, or hit) can damage enamel or result in a gray tooth. Some mouth rinses that contain chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride cause discoloration. Resin dental restorations may stain more quickly than natural teeth, and restorations with silver amalgam can look dark.
- Age and genetics. Over time the enamel on your teeth wears down and shows the yellowish dentin underneath. Some families are predisposed to this.
- Fluorosis makes teeth look dull. That’s right, excess amounts of fluoride from your water, toothpaste, and supplements can actually stain teeth.
Your best defense against a dingy smile is good home care and regular cleanings. But in case you need just a little extra help to restore that dazzling look, consider the professional whitening treatments available at Villaggio Dental, customized to your needs..
Residents of the Healdsburg, Calif. area have more teeth whitening options available than ever before. Let the team of expert cosmetic dentists at Villaggio Dental – Drs. Robert Leach, Raafia Mazhar, and Jesse Whitely – design a professional teeth whitening program for you.
Back To Teeth Whitening Home Page