Posted by MyRDH on Friday, October 11th, 2024 - 230 views
Is the whiteness of your teeth fading? Are they becoming darker? Are they not looking as bright as they did when you were younger?
It’s likely that your teeth are not as bright as they used to be and that’s why you’re here – to find out what’s going on and to consider dental teeth whitening.
Plus, if you understand the science behind why teeth change colour over time, it can help push you to make regular visits with your hygienist for professional whitening treatments.
Why Do Teeth Change Colour?
There are two main types of teeth discolouration:
Intrinsic Discolouration
Intrinsic discolouration comes from within the tooth and can be tricky to discover because it’s hidden by the outside of the tooth. Various factors can cause this condition like aging, exposure to excess fluoride, dental injury, medications, and/or genetic predispositions.
These factors can alter the inner structure of your teeth and cause eventual discolouration by affecting the dentin beneath the enamel.
If your teeth have gone from bright white to dull and discoloured, an inner-tooth issue could be at the root of the problem.
Extrinsic Discolouration
Extrinsic discolouration is the most common form and stems from the lifestyle choices we make and the substances we consume. Little pleasures like a morning coffee, red wine, smoking, or a cup of tea at night can all over time turn your teeth a few shades darker. Even certain foods with strong pigments, like berries, soy sauce, and curry, can all stain your teeth.
The good news is that these types of teeth stains are usually easy to solve with regular cleaning and whitening. managing your diet and maintaining good oral hygiene.
How Can You Keep Your Teeth Bright?
OK, we have to give you some tips on keeping your teeth white outside of regular teeth cleanings. Keeping them clean and bright isn’t just good for your looks – it’s also important for your overall dental health.
Here’s how you can fight discolouration:
Regular Dental Cleanings
This is priority number one because cleaning and whitening do a great job at keeping your teeth nice and bright for at least 6 months, and it keeps them healthy without you doing much work. Just think of your dental hygienist as your best friend.
Plus, it’s a great chance to get personalized advice on how to keep your smile sparkling based on your unique dental situation.
Stay on Top of Oral Hygiene
It might sound basic but good oral hygiene is the foundation of a bright and healthy smile.
Do the following every day to stay on top of your oral hygiene;
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing regularly
- Using a whitening toothpaste
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Changing your toothbrush regularly
- Use a tongue scraper
- Drink water after eating or drinking staining substances
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Use a straw for beverages
- Schedule regular check-ups
Use At-home Whitening Products Wisely
We understand that with so many whitening products out there claiming to give you the brightest smile, it’s easy to get confused. At-home teeth whitening can be exciting, but you have to be careful.
When selecting a whitening product, start by checking for approval seals from reputable dental associations, that indicate that the product is both safe, effective and recommended.
Always read and precisely follow the instructions because overuse or incorrectly applying it can lead to tooth sensitivity or damage to your tooth’s enamel.
It’s also wise to discuss your choice with your dentist first, especially if you have dental work like fillings, crowns and implants – or if you have sensitive teeth. Your dentist can recommend at-home whitening products that are made for your specific dental needs without compromising the health of your teeth.
It’s Time to Get Them Bright!
If you’ve come to this page, it’s because you can tell your teeth aren’t as bright. So what can you do?
If you live in Brantford, you know who to call, and if you live elsewhere, simply look up your local dentist or hygienist. Ask them for prices and do some comparison shopping so you can get the best deal, but remember to get the best value too!