Why are my teeth yellow and stained?
Just like gray hairs, tooth discoloration is part of the natural aging process. As you get older, the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) experiences wear-and-tear damage due to biting, chewing, and speaking.
Over time, this reveals the inner layer of your teeth (dentin). Dentin is naturally yellow. The more it shows through, the yellower your teeth appear.
Several other factors can cause your teeth to become stained, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Using tobacco products
- Drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee or red wine
- Eating foods that stain like tomato-based pasta sauce or blueberries
You’re also more likely to experience yellow or discolored teeth if you take a prescription medication that contains tetracycline.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry technique that uses medical-grade solutions to eradicate stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. There are many types of teeth whitening treatment available and almost all of them use carbamide peroxide, a harmless byproduct of hydrogen peroxide.
When combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile, ensuring you look and feel your best.
What are the different types of teeth whitening?
Long Beach Family Dental Group offers several types of teeth whitening, including:
Chairside teeth whitening
Chairside teeth whitening is a quick, in-office procedure that can make your teeth up to eight shades whiter. Prior to treatment, your provider covers your gums and tongue with a rubber dam.
Afterward, they carefully apply a whitening solution to the surface of each tooth. Next, they point a special blue light at the solution, which triggers a whitening reaction. Your provider repeats these steps several times until achieving your desired results.
Take-home teeth whitening trays
Take-home teeth whitening trays allow you to whiten your teeth at your own pace. A take-home kit includes two plastic trays, a bottle of whitening solution, and a syringe. You use the syringe to put the whitening solution in each tray. Then you snap the trays over your upper or lower arch and wear them for three to four hours each day.
Slowly but surely, take-home whitening trays eradicate stains and discoloration, revealing a brighter, whiter, and healthier-looking smile.
Is teeth whitening treatment permanent?
The results of teeth whitening treatment aren’t permanent, but if you practice good oral hygiene, they can last 4-6 months. You can also extend your results by avoiding tobacco products and dark-colored foods or beverages.
If you dream of a brighter, whiter smile, schedule a teeth whitening appointment at Long Beach Family Dental Group. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.
