TOOTH WHITENING
Why do we want to whiten teeth? It is a natural instinct.
As we age, our teeth thin and appear darker due to the dentine within the teeth starting to show through. As our teeth wear and chip and crack, or are restored with fillings, they naturally become darker still.
We also are aware that darker teeth represent disease. Decayed teeth look dark. Teeth that have been knocked or through some level of trauma also appear darker, as do teeth that have had root canal treatment.
We are usually attracted to good health and healthy teeth tend to be whiter.
Of course, we also observe what is around us and we often believe what is seen to be good, and with so many celebrities, sports people, and people in the public eye flashing their amazing set of teeth, we aspire to that and want to be like them - that is what successful people should look like.
So, this blog is designed to give some insight into why teeth may be discoloured and what options we have to make our teeth look whiter.
I hope to cover questions we are commonly asked at the practice, such as “how to whiten your teeth at home”, "is teeth whitening safe", "how to whiten teeth naturally", "how to get rid of yellow teeth", "why are my teeth yellow", "how to remove stains from teeth", "how do dentists whiten teeth", "what do dentists use to whiten teeth", "does dentist whitening work", "can a dentist whiten your teeth in one visit", "how long does dentist teeth whitening last", and give an idea as to the costs.
WHY ARE MY TEETH YELLOW?
Tooth discolouration can occur for various reasons, including:
- Diet: Consuming coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured foods can stain enamel.
- Smoking: Nicotine and tar from cigarettes cause yellow or brown stains.
- Ageing: Over time, enamel thins, revealing the yellowish dentine underneath.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and tartar buildup, leading to discolouration.
- Medications & Genetics: Certain antibiotics and genetic factors can affect tooth colour.