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.
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