While celebrities have brilliantly white teeth, most other smiles are a little duller
The dentists at Beenleigh MarketPlace Dental often get asked the question; what makes your teeth yellow?
There are a number of factors that cause your teeth to discolour including the foods you eat, some dark coloured beverages and lifestyle choices like smoking. There are two main categories that tooth discolouration falls into: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains.
Extrinsic stains
Extrinsic stains are the stains located on the surface of the tooth’s enamel, which is the hard, outermost layer of your teeth. Surprisingly, this hard layer can be easily stained.
Dark coloured foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, dark sauces and fruits like blueberries and pomegranates can stain this enamel. The reason these foods stain is they are high in chromogens. Chromogens are pigment-producing substances that can penetrate enamel.
Processed foods or foods high in sugar are classified as acidic foods. These foods can worsen matters. They can erode the tooth enamel, making it easier for chromogens to latch onto the teeth.
Intrinsic stains
Intrinsic stains are stains that occur within the tooth. Various factors can alter the light-transmitting properties of the tooth enamel and the underlying dentin.
There are a number of factors that can cause intrinsic stains like:
- Medications like acne-fighting drugs, blood pressure tablets and chemotherapy treatments can result in these stains.
- High fluoride levels
- Trauma in a permanent tooth (Internal bleeding can discolour teeth)
- Age can also cause yellowing of the teeth
How can I make my teeth white?
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure throughout Australia and overseas. The main appeal of teeth whitening is it’s a quick and easy process that can often be completed in your lunch break.
Teeth whitening is a chemical process that is used to lighten your teeth. Patients can choose to whiten their teeth in the Beenleigh MarketPlace Dental office, or take home a safe, dentist approved whitening kit.
In-office teeth whitening will take around an hour. A check-up and clean is recommended before the treatment. To begin the treatment your gums and mouth will be covered, leaving only your teeth exposed. The dentists will then apply the whitening gel that will break up the stains and discolouration. The gel is applied in four sessions of 15 minutes.
If you choose to whiten your teeth at home you will need to come into the office to have customised whitening trays moulded to your teeth. These trays will ensure you use the correct amount of whitening gel and attain even results.
In your first teeth whitening appointment, the dentists at Beenleigh MarketPlace Dental will provide you with detailed instructions and answer any questions.
The whitening trays can be left in anywhere from half an hour to overnight. After approximately three weeks you will return to the Beenleigh practice for a follow up appointment.
Teeth whitening from Beenleigh MarketPlace Dental
Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure and results can last up to two years. These results depend on your personal habits. Avoiding high acidic foods and having a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing can help keep your teeth white.
Dr Casey Tseng, Dr Jason Tung and Dr Tish Lo are committed to offering comprehensive dental care in their modern, safe and friendly practice. Questions are encouraged and they will ensure you understand what’s involved in every step of your treatment.
Teeth whitening may not work for every patient. The best way the dentists at Beenleigh MarketPlace Dental can asses your smile is to book an appointment to see them so you can stop asking; “what makes your teeth yellow?”
For more information on teeth whitening or to book an appointment, contact Beenleigh MarketPlace Dental today.