What causes yellow or discolored teeth?
There are numerous reasons your teeth could be yellow or discolored, including:
- Age: As we age, our teeth are subject to natural wear and tear. Unfortunately, this means that our enamel actually wears down, exposing the darker dentin beneath. This can leave your teeth looking yellower or darker.
- Food & drink: What we eat and drink has an impact on our overall health and our teeth. Heavily pigmented beverages like red wine and coffee can actually stain your teeth as the pigment sticks to the tooth enamel. Likewise, dark berries, while great for your health, can contribute to tooth staining.
- Tobacco products: The nicotine and tar in tobacco products can seep into the pores of your teeth and causes deep staining. E-cigarettes and vape pens also contribute to staining because of the nicotine content.
- Medication: Certain medications like antibiotics, chemotherapy, and antihistamines can contribute to tooth discoloration.
- Genetics: Some people naturally have a thicker, stronger layer of enamel, and certain genetic conditions can cause an improper development of the enamel layer.
- Hygiene: Good dental hygiene habits will remove the bacteria and pigments that build up on your teeth and cause staining.
The type of tooth discoloration you have will determine the best type of whitening for you. During your initial exam, your Austin dentist will take a detailed health history and talk to you about your lifestyle to be able to determine which type of whitening is best for you.
Types of teeth whitening offered at Paradigm Dental
At Paradigm Dental, we want you to have the best possible experience, and an essential part of this is giving you the options you need to make the best possible choice for your health and self-confidence. In an effort to make sure you get the best teeth whitening for you, we offer:
- Opalescence Go™: This whitening system uses a peroxide solution that is continuously released through a viscous gel that allows maximum absorption into your enamel because the whitening gen holds in place. Because of how the gel spreads throughout your teeth, the whole tooth is whitened, not just the part that comes in contact with the gel.
- Zoom Whitening Pens: Zoom Whitening Pens allow your dentist at Paradigm Dental to whiten your teeth without the use of tray. The gel comes out of the whitening pen itself and is applied directly to the tooth.
- KÖr Whitening: KÖr Whitening uses a specially designed tray and peroxide solution gel for superior whitening activity. The specialty trays block out saliva, which can contaminate the gel and decrease the solution’s effectiveness. By blocking out saliva, the peroxide solution remains at peak potency for the duration of your treatment.
Your dentist at Paradigm Dental will work closely with you to determine which whitening system will be best for you.
Why you should choose professional teeth whitening
Choosing to whiten your teeth is just the first step. The next step is choosing how to whiten your teeth. Not all whitening products are created equally, and when you use over-the-counter whitening products, you’re risking using the wrong kind, meaning you won’t get your desired results or over-exposure to the chemicals, which can harm both your teeth and you. The best way to ensure that you get the results that you want and that you do it safely is to visit a Dr. Mark Shalaby or Dr. Mike Shalaby at Paradigm Dental.
How to prevent tooth discoloration
There is a certain degree of tooth discoloration that is inevitable since it is a natural part of aging. However, there are some things you can do to keep your beautiful white teeth bright and vibrant.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and make sure you floss every day. Not only will this help prevent gum disease and tooth decay, but it will remove any bacteria and pigments that build up on your teeth and contribute to staining and discoloration. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so as to not cause premature wear to your enamel. Brushing too hard can also contribute to receding gums and tooth sensitivity.
- Avoid staining foods & drinks: When you do consume heavily-pigmented foods and drinks, rinse or brush your teeth immediately afterward to remove as much of the pigment as possible right away.
Are you ready to finally get the bright, beautiful smile you always wanted? Call Dr. Mark Shalaby and Dr. Mike Shalaby today at (512) 992-2822 or request an appointment online to reserve your appointment.