Many individuals are very cautious in making a good first impression since this is a critical determining factor in others’ perception of you. This is one of the reasons why many individuals are very conscious of their smiles. Who wouldn’t be, though? A single smile can make or break deals, start new friendships, and give you an excellent lasting impression.
Our teeth have a natural “yellow” hue to them. Although, white teeth are known for being the more social-accepted color of the teeth. But in some cases, smoking, drinking coffee, and eating sugary desserts can cause our teeth to stain. So, how do we remove these deep stains that might cause complications in the long-term?
A survey done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that if people wanted to have something changed about their smile, they wanted whiter and cleaner teeth. Here’s what you can do to make your teeth whiter and when you should start booking an appointment with a dental professional.
How Is Teeth Whitening Done?
As the name suggests, teeth whitening is usually a procedure that’s done to lighten your teeth’ color. This should always be done under the professional supervision of vetted professionals, such as dentists and periodontists. In terms of chemicals, this is usually done using hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
These bleaches work by breaking down dark stains on your teeth and making them less noticeable by making your teeth generally whiter.
What Causes Stains On Your Teeth?
Although many of us want to have white teeth, discoloration of the teeth can be inevitable, especially when we have to sustain our body with food and drinks that might stain it. The following factors can cause discoloration of the teeth:
- Tobacco – Cigarettes are known for having different chemicals that can make it addictive while also darkening the teeth. These harmful and addictive substances will come in the form of tar, which can gradually stain and yellow teeth in the long-term.
- Food and beverages – There are a variety of foods and beverages that have pigmentation that can cause discoloration. Beverages like coffee, soda, wine, and tea are known for causing teeth to yellow over time. In terms of food, “fibrous” meat and veggies can sometimes get stuck in between gaps on your teeth, which can accelerate bacterial growth and stain teeth.
- Medications – There are a variety of medications in the form of hypertensive drugs, anti-psychotics, and anti-allergens that can darken teeth. In some cases, nutritional supplements like iron supplements will usually cause a stain on teeth.
- Physical trauma and injuries – Dentin is known for being a naturally occurring yellow layer of tissue right below the teeth’s enamel. When an injury happens from accidents or inflicted injuries, this can cause discoloration to the teeth.
- Effects of Aging – For most individuals, aging is the most common cause of dental-related issues. Enamel is known for being white or transparent, but it will wear down as the person ages. ;
Does This Work On Everyone?
Teeth whitening can be situational, and most teeth whitening services won’t necessarily work on all types of teeth. Teeth whitening does not work for the following modifications and operations, for example:
- Crown – this is known for being a cap-shaped object that resembles a tooth that is placed over a damaged tooth to help with the recovering process or as a means of concealing discoloration.
- Fillings – Dental fillings are known for helping cover up cavities that are unsightly from tooth decay. These are usually made up of metals, resin, and sometimes gold.
- Dentures – This is normally used by older adults when it comes to lost teeth. There’s no point in having them whitened when they can be easily replaced in the first place.
It’s important to note that teeth whitening does not always work for everyone or does not always guarantee that you’ll have white teeth. Most would suggest having your teeth cleaned every six months to have the best results. If your teeth are subject to critical dental issues, such as periodontitis and bone loss from having a tooth pulled out, oral surgery is your best option in getting the best results for your teeth.
How Can You Make Your Teeth Whiter?
If you don’t have the necessary funds in getting your teeth professionally whitened, here are some low-budget tips that you can do:
1. Use a straw when drinking – This is a great way of circumventing the exposure of your teeth to staining substances, such as coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks.
2. Drink water after drinking other beverages – Every time you’re enjoying coffee and tea, it’s important to start drinking coffee right after.
3. Good dental hygiene – Lastly, it’s important to start brushing your teeth twice in a day. If you’re drinking more acidic drinks than usual, you’ll need to brush even more.
Teeth whitening is the best way of removing deep stains on your teeth. This will usually involve bleaching the teeth to give them an even whiter color. Still, it’s important to remember that it’s caused by a complex variety of factors, and there’s no one main cause to it.
That said, it’s best to practice good daily oral hygiene. If you’re in doubt and find your teeth getting darker as the months pass, you might want to consider consulting a doctor when it comes to this situation. ;
