Are you experiencing some degree of tooth staining? Yellowing teeth can create an unattractive smile, and they can cause you to become self-conscious. If you notice your smile fading, you may feel concerned, but there is cosmetic treatment that can help. Teeth whitening can reduce teeth staining and give you a pristine white smile. To keep your smile white in the future, you may want to determine the cause of your teeth staining. Depending on its cause, the staining may not always be cured with teeth whitening.
Teeth Staining Happens in the Dental Enamel
In most cases, teeth staining is not a sign of a serious health problem. Staining is actually a pretty common occurrence that starts with your dental enamel. Your dental enamel is actually the outermost layer of your tooth. The enamel is tough, and stands up to bacteria and wear over time. However, while your dental enamel is very strong, it is also porous. That means that it can be penetrated by tiny molecules — molecules like the pigments found naturally in food and drinks. Over time, those pigments can build up and cause noticeable staining on the surface of your teeth.
What Are the Common Causes of Teeth Staining?
So, to avoid teeth staining, you may want to learn about the common perpetrators of staining. Acidic foods can cause yellowing at a rapid pace. Coffee is a common staining agent because it is acidic, and it’s a beverage that people usually drink on a consistent basis. For this reason, tea and soda are also common causes of teeth staining. Any food that is high in acid and in pigmentation (berries, for example) is likely to contribute to staining. Brushing your teeth after meals can help reduce the effects of staining, and of course, avoiding high-acid foods helps as well.
Teeth Whitening Can Work to Counteract Teeth Staining
So, once pigmentation permeates that layer of dental enamel, are your teeth stained for good? No, you can actually use teeth whitening to bleach the pigment and return your smile to a beautiful, bright state. If you’ve tried teeth whitening before with limited success, try whitening through your dentist. Your dentist can give you powerful whitening treatment that typically outperforms over-the-counter products. In just a few weeks time, you will likely notice a big improvement in the appearance of your smile.
Stubbs Family Dentistry Offers Professional Whitening
Stained teeth don’t mean a permanently hampered smile. Professional teeth whitening through Stubbs Family Dentistry can drastically improve the appearance of your smile. You can use the custom-fitted whitening trays at home, on your own schedule. Learn more at a complimentary consultation by contacting Stubbs Family Dentistry in West Allis, WI at 414-541-8250.
