Teeth Discoloration And Treatments

Teeth Discoloration And Treatments

When we were a lot younger, we could answer "white" to such a spontaneous question. However, for many of us, the more we age we cannot definitely say that we have white teeth. It is a fact that as we age, our teeth become a bit discolored. Teeth discoloration is among the top reasons why patients seek dental care. Tooth bleaching or teeth whitening is a common procedure in general dentistry and a best-selling procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening means, restoring the teeth color and bleaching means whitening the teeth beyond its normal color. The procedures are most likely the same and it is true that a pearly white set is being sought after because tooth discoloration is not so pleasing to see and the effects can be traumatizing.

What causes our teeth to discolor? There are two kinds of reasons for teeth discoloration. Mostly, the reasons are extrinsic in nature - which means that the discoloration is only within the tooth surface caused by different factors. Intrinsic discoloration is caused by chromogen deposits within the bulk of the tooth. This can greatly cause the teeth to discolor on the surface and underneath.

Due to our daily activities, our teeth can get discolored over time if we do not take care of them properly. Fruits like apples can cause lasting stain of not rinsed off from the teeth immediately. Coffee, tea, cola and red wine can also stain the teeth. Smoking or chewing of tobacco can cause tar and discoloration. Poor dental hygiene, most particularly not brushing enough or not flossing to remove plaque can start the discoloration, too. Generally, poor oral hygiene can discolor the teeth.

Aside from these activities there are also causes of discoloration from the inside. Diseases especially the ones treated by radiation and chemotherapy can cause the teeth to be yellowish. During the second trimester of the pregnancy mothers need to avoid infections as these, too, can cause the infant's teeth to grow darker and dense in color. Antibiotics and medications like tetracycline and doxycline as well as antihistamine (Benadryl) can cause the teeth's color to go dull, in the same way as anti-psychotic drugs.

Teeth discoloration could also be caused by some dental materials and procedures used on teeth like amalgam restoration. High fluoride content in water can cause brownish dirt deposits on the teeth as well. Also, a naturally darker colored set of teeth can be genetically passed on from parents to offspring.

There many effective ways and products to whiten or bleach your teeth. We can choose to either restore its natural color when it has become a little discolored or have it 5x whiter than its normal color. There is no shortcut in the way to achieving whiter teeth. There's no single session that can make the teeth at least 3x whiter than it is. Each way is a gradual process.

Teeth whitening strips are thin, invisible strips coated with peroxide based whitening gel and are placed on the teeth 2x daily for 30 minutes. In 14 days, results will reveal a whiter set of teeth. Bleaching pens are most handy for you can do the whitening anytime and anywhere with the pen. Its formula is milder and is safe for sensitive teeth and gums. Swabbing uses an activator swan filled with peroxide liquid snapped on the teeth and applied with whitening powder afterwards. These teeth whitening products can be purchased over the counter and some at supermarkets and via online shopping.

Laser teeth whitening is the most updated and the most expensive way to whiten the teeth. It is a procedure wherein peroxide is painted onto the teeth with a laser beam device.

There are also inexpensive ways in keeping the teeth white. Brushing properly and regularly helps maintain teeth color. Baking soda is a good way to whiten the teeth. You can put the powder directly on your toothbrush and top it with a little toothpaste. Hydrogen peroxide solution can also be used as a mouthwash. Make sure that it is a 3% solution because anything more than that is not safe for oral care. You can also mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix them in a proportion that they can form a paste. Brush it on your teeth and let it sit for at least 2-3 minutes. Then rinse your teeth thoroughly and brush with a toothpaste. You can also keep your teeth stain free if you swish with water or a whitening mouth rinse every time you have taken food and drink that can cause strong stains on your teeth.

Make sure to have your teeth cleaned regularly to keep the dirt and stains off. Indeed having pearly white teeth is a treasure. Just like all other treasures, it can be lost if not properly managed.