Seemingly everyone wishes they had a sparklingly bright grin, but most people naturally have ivory-toned teeth. Although regularly brushing and flossing is a great way to keep your teeth clean and healthy, if you regularly consume darkly pigmented foods and drinks, they can start looking more yellow or brown than pearly white.
Continue reading to learn more about how certain ingredients can stain your smile and how your dentist treats discoloration!
Are Teeth Naturally White?
Many people are surprised to learn that perfectly healthy teeth aren’t naturally as bright as they imagined. While the outermost layer of enamel is indeed a blue-white hue, it’s also somewhat translucent and allows the yellow layers of dentin beneath it to shine through. This is what gives your grin its off-white appearance.
While it’s normal for teeth to have a creamy complexion, if you frequently expose them to dark foods, they can develop stubborn stains that make you self-conscious about the way you look. If you’re overly anxious about being judged, you might avoid spending time with others, which can impact your daily quality of life.
What Foods Cause Stains?
Several common culprits, such as coffee, tea, wine, and berries, are known to leave your grin discolored. These options all contain tannins, which are organic compounds found in certain plants responsible for giving them their hue and bitter flavor. Although your tastebuds might enjoy them, they can leave your teeth looking worse for wear.
Tannins bind with carbohydrates, proteins, sugars, and bacterial cell membranes, allowing them to coat and cling to your enamel. Not only does this encourage bacteria to develop plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease, but it also stains the surface.
How Can My Dentist Help?
You’re not alone if you’ve tried over-the-counter whitening toothpaste or strips without any luck. These products can sometimes be helpful, but they typically contain diluted bleaching agents that don’t always lead to the desired results. Furthermore, you might develop sensitivity if you misuse or overapply a product, hoping to see a change.
Fortunately, your dentist has professional-grade solutions designed to maximize the outcome while mitigating any potential side effects. A single, hour-long in-office whitening treatment can lighten your smile by up to 8 shades for an instant upgrade. If you’re short on time, you can also ask your dentist for a take-home kit that contains ultra-concentrated bleaching gels and custom-fitted applicator trays. That way, you can gradually brighten your teeth from the comfort of your living room sofa.
Call your dentist today to schedule your cosmetic consultation to start your journey to a brighter grin!
About the Practice
Patients at Advanced Dental Concepts benefit from two talented dentists who are passionate about helping you build a happy, healthy smile. Dr. Danny Hayes and Dr. Mallek Nahhas work together to offer a full array of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide treatments to help you attain them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (219) 322-3418.