The majority of people feel the need to whiten their teeth, despite having good oral hygiene and healthy teeth because they do not have the Hollywood smile. Over the years, the demand for teeth whitening by the public has increased, and as a result, a lot of home based whitening products introduced on the market have gained popularity. People want to have a beautiful white smile to boost their confidence and self-esteem despite the various side effects.
Tooth discoloration is one of the reasons people seek to whiten their teeth. The various causes of tooth discoloration are divided into intrinsic or extrinsic. The intrinsic causes of tooth discolouration includes genetics, age (wear of enamel over time to expose dentin), medications (tetracycline), high levels of fluoride and developmental disorders. On the other hand, extrinsic causes of tooth discoloration includes, the presence of plaque and calculus (Tartar), caries (tooth decay), lifestyle habits such as smoking and dietary habits (beverages such as coffee and teas).
The natural colour of teeth is Yellowish. Although the appearance of teeth depends on the amount of dentine a person has. The outer layer of teeth which is covered by enamel has a natural hue of white. For children between ages of 0 – 5, the bulk of their tooth structure is enamel, which gives them a much whiter dentition, in comparison to the adult dentition having the bulk of their tooth structure being yellowish dentine.
In an attempt to have a pearly white smile, most people resort to whitening products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, whitening strips and questionable DIY dental procedures on the internet. Many of these whitening products and DIYs are ineffective and cause damage to the enamel leading to tooth sensitivity and further discolouration.
If you are considering teeth whitening, see a Dentist to determine the right cause of your discoloration and a safer method to brighten your smile. Your dentist may suggest any of the following options after a thorough examination:
- A professional prophylaxis (Scaling and Polishing)
- A professional teeth whitening treatment (vital or non-vital bleaching).
- Microabrasion – A conservative method that involves the use of acid and abrasive agents.
- Composite veneers – These are a restorative chair side procedure done by a dentist to improve the appearance of teeth.
- Veneers (Porcelain, Lumineer and e-max) – Thin shells designed specifically for a patient, but expensive to upgrade your smile and cover up imperfections in color and shape of teeth.
- Porcelain crowns are custom made caps that provide strength and protect teeth.
Furthermore, certain simple lifestyle changes like the ones below may also help to reduce yellowing of your teeth:
- Reduce or avoid consuming acidic foods and beverages
- Rinse your mouth after consuming foods and drinks that cause staining
- Quit smoking
- Stop brushing with a hard toothbrush, be sure to brush your teeth gently using a soft or medium bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. My previous post details this.
If you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and regular checkup, a slight yellowing of your teeth do not necessarily indicate that they are unhealthy.
