A whiter, brighter smile is within reach for most people in this modern age. It is perhaps one of the simplest improvements available for people who want to change their smile, along with faithful brushing and flossing every single day. There are multiple reasons why your teeth may be darkening:
Age
With time, tooth enamel gets thinner, exposing the yellowish layer of dentin underneath. Brushing harshly can wear down tooth enamel over the years, so it can help to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush meticulously but gently.
Tobacco
If you are a tobacco user—whether cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco—your pearly whites are exposed to tar and nicotine which stain tooth enamel a yellowish brown.
Medications
One side effect of some medications, like certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and drugs used to lower high blood pressure, is darkening your teeth. Specific antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can also darken teeth in children when they are babies, so that they appear yellowish as they grow.
Trauma
If your mouth suffers an unforeseen injury, whether through sports or an accident, your tooth can darken because the tooth reacts to injury by creating more dentin which is yellower.
Drink
Unfortunately, the most common tooth darkening agents are as close as your favorite cup of morning coffee or tea, and or your evening glass of wine because they contain chromogens (color pigments) that stain your teeth by attaching to your tooth enamel.
If your pearly whites are darker than you would like, take heart! There are a variety of whitening options available to you. These whiteners, which use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, are typically done using a whitening tray or gel that fits over your teeth for a specific amount of time. They effectively break down stains so that they appear less visible.
Whitening toothpastes can be found in your local drugstore or supermarket. They use abrasives to whiten teeth. They are inexpensive and easy to find (just be sure to look for the ADA Seal of acceptance on the label) but they only remove stains on the enamel so they don’t change the actual color of your tooth.
Chairside bleaching by our dentist is the most effective tooth whitening treatment available. This is usually done in one visit to our dental office, while you sit comfortably as we apply a whitening gel to your teeth.
At-home whitening can also be found at our dentist’s office. Our dental team will send you home with a bleaching gel you place in a tray and wear over your teeth the comfort of your own home!
If you are ready for whiter teeth, give our office a call at 510-248-4847 and we will tell you more about our teeth whitening options. Our team at Ron Hernandez’s Dental Office is more than happy to help you with all your dental needs.