If you look at yourself in photos or observe yourself in the mirror, and find yourself dissatisfied with your smile, perhaps one investment that could improve your confidence is teeth whitening. But what are common causes or reasons for people to seek teeth whitening? Read on to find common but little-known causes of yellowing teeth or teeth staining, and learn the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic tooth discoloration.
How Can I Know If My Teeth Have Gotten Yellow With Age?
As we age, our appearance changes. It’s an unfortunate truth and fact of life we all live with. However, many people do not realize that your teeth can change with your age as well. Certainly, there is good reason to maintain our twice-a-day flossing and brushing rituals. It is completely possible for you to have healthy teeth and gums, but also have teeth that have become yellow just due to the circumstance of aging. For this reason, teeth whitening is a consideration that can also make you look and feel more youthful.
How Can I Know If I Have Surface Stains On My Teeth?
Surface staining, or extrinsic tooth discoloration, is especially common because it can be the result of regular habits. A number of darker-colored beverages that people ingest on a near-daily basis can result in changing the color of their teeth. If you enjoy coffee, tea, brown sodas, and red wine, you should be aware that pigmented residue from these drinks can build up in the surface-level protein film that covers your tooth enamel. Another such source of extrinsic teeth discoloration is from smoking, which, over the years, may even cause teeth to appear brownish.
How Can I Know If I Have Intrinsic Teeth Staining?
Intrinsic teeth staining is discoloration of the inner layer of the tooth (also called dentin), past the outer layer of tooth enamel. This can happen when someone experiences a dental injury or infection. It is worth noting that teeth whitening may not always be the best solution for intrinsic teeth staining, and depending on your dental history, crowns or porcelain veneers may be recommended.
How Do I Know If Teeth Whitening Is Not Right For Me?
In certain circumstances, it is best to consult your dentist before proceeding with teeth whitening. For example, your dentist may not recommend teeth whitening if you have gum disease or very sensitive teeth. Other instances in which your teeth may not respond well to the teeth whitening process include: if your teeth are dark brown or gray, if your teeth are discolored from tetracycline antibiotics, or if your teeth are discolored from too much fluoride exposure. Furthermore, if you have caps, fillings, or crowns along your front teeth, you will want to be aware that these materials may not bleach along with your natural teeth.
If you want to explore your options for teeth whitening or inquire as to whether teeth whitening is right for you, look no further than Wolter Advanced Dental Care. If you are ready to find your lifetime family dentist, you will be glad to know that we take our patient care and experience very seriously, for teeth whitening, dental hygiene, and beyond. Call Wolter ADC and speak to a representative to schedule your appointment today.
