Last Updated on 9 months by Isreal Olabanji DST RN
During your lives, you will definitely notice some discolouration on your teeth. You might notice it while looking at a mirror, taking a picture with the flash on, or someone will point it out to you. There’s nothing to be afraid of. You can always schedule an appointment with your dentist and request the teeth whitening procedure. Lots of people do it, and they are satisfied with the outcome.
Moreover, if you want to keep your teeth white for a more extended period, you need to say goodbye to smoking cigarettes. Frequent smokers not only suffer from discoloration, but they can permanently damage their gums and teeth.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is essential to everyone. Not only that, but you have to regularly visit your dentist as well, even if it is just for a checkup. You can discover a potential problem that might just get worse with time if neglected. The sooner you eliminate it, the better.
If you want to know more, then continue reading this article. As mentioned above, there are various reasons that can cause discoloration on the teeth. Here are some of them:
Food and drinks
Drinking coffee, wine, and tea can also be some of the reasons why your teeth are starting to become yellow. You see, their pigments can get attached to the teeth and, with time, turn them yellow. This is quite normal and not something to be alarmed about.
You can continue to brush and floss them, but sometimes that isn’t enough. The brushing might keep them from cavities and other diseases, but it won’t whiten them. At least, now as you would want.
Moreover, if you are really self-conscious about your smile, then it is best to visit a professional dentist. They do all kinds of services for their patients. One of those services is whitening teeth. Once the procedure is over, you will definitely notice a difference. You will once more have a shiny and bright smile to show off.
Tobacco use
As mentioned above, people that smoke tobacco daily are more likely to speed up the process of discoloration. If you can’t seem to give up smoking, then you should look for another option to whiten them. Quitting smoking might not whiten your teeth, but at least it won’t speed up the process any longer. Click on the link for more details https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration.
Nicotine, from cigarettes, is odorless. However, when mixed with oxygen, it can turn instantly yellow. That is how the process of discoloration starts. It also depends on which types of cigarettes you smoke. The dark-colored tobacco will definitely turn your teeth yellow much faster.
Sometimes enough is enough. If you are tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a yellow smile, then you need to visit your dentist to whiten them. The entire process is done professionally, and the outcome is always satisfying. All you need to do is find a dentist, if you don’t have one, and make an appointment.
Certain medications
We all know that using certain pills can sometimes lead to side-effects. One of those side-effects can also be discoloration of the teeth. It might sound strange, but it is true. If the pills that you use are antipsychotics or antihistamines, then you might start to notice the discoloration. However, this doesn’t compare to the usage of tobacco regularly. Smoking can also cause gum disease and cavities.
Anyway, if you have any questions about the procedure, you can always ask your dentist. You can even learn certain tips on how to take care of your teeth better. Read more on this link.
Age
As people age, they notice that their teeth are getting discolored. One of the reasons behind it is because the outer shell, called the enamel, gets thinner. It is the layer that protects the dentin. On the other hand, the dentin is the yellowish area inside the enamel. With age, this layer becomes thinner and thinner, and this is why your teeth get more yellow. The yellow dentin is more evident.
What are the benefits?
For starters, your self-esteem will go way up. It will give you the confidence to meet and chat with new people. You don’t have to cover your face every time someone makes a joke, and you think it is funny. Also, sometimes people can make a first impression of you based on your smile. When you show your smile, you seem more confident, warm, and friendly. Even when you are up for an interview, a gorgeous smile can add to your professionalism.
Moreover, you can’t let the dentist do all the work. Maintain oral hygiene at home should also be your priority. Brush your teeth after each meal. You might not be able to whiten them that way, but at least you’ll keep them healthy. Leave the whitening process to the professionals like your dentist. You don’t have to be afraid because it won’t hurt at all. One of the procedures you can try out is called in-office teeth whitening.
How is the procedure performed?
It would usually take you just one visit to the office to get your teeth whitened. That’s all you have to do. The technique is called chairside bleaching. Then the dentist will apply a gel or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Next comes the bleach. The product is applied directly to your teeth. Usually, you have to wait a couple of minutes before the bleach is removed. You will definitely see results.
However, sometimes it takes a couple of visits to the dentist to have your teeth thoroughly whiten. It all depends on the color you have now. Some professional teeth whitening process takes three or four weeks until the desired outcome is achieved. If you want to know more, then you need to discuss your options with a dentist. They will definitely explain everything to you and inform you of how many procedures you need.
