What causes your teeth to become dull and stained?

Your smile is the first facial gesture to grab anyone’s attention. However, discolored or stained teeth can pull down your self-confidence and the beauty of your personality. At StarBrite Dental, Dr. Munira helps her patients rejuvenate their smiles through teeth whitening.

The leading causes of discolored or yellow teeth are:

Lack of Proper Dental Hygiene

Improper oral hygiene and poor dental health can cause discoloration of the teeth. Lack of regular brushing and routine flossing can cause plaque to build up and stain the teeth.

Food Habits

There is a range of foods and drinks which can cause staining of the teeth. Drinks that cause stains include coffee, tea, wine, and colored soft drinks. Consumption of certain sauces can also contribute to the development of stains.

Smoking

Depending on the frequency of the habit, smoking can take a toll on the teeth’s whiteness.

Diseases and Medicines

Certain diseases and medicines can cause tooth discoloration. Diseases which cause stains include those which affect the enamel or dentin. Among medicines, the antibiotics Tetracycline, Minocycline, and Doxycycline are the biggest culprits. Pregnant women and small children who use these drugs can suffer from stains.

Although there is a range of over-the-counter teeth whitening methods, Dr. Munira recommends in-office teeth whitening for patients who desire bright and beautiful teeth. Special light and bleaching gel are used in this process. Extreme care is taken while applying the bleaching gel to the teeth to ensure that the gums and lips are not exposed to it. Once the gel is applied, the light is used to amplify and accelerate the tooth whitening process. The process takes as little as an hour and a half. Depending on the severity of the stain, the teeth will lighten by two to five shades.

The only significant risk associated with teeth whitening is gum sensitivity. If patients experience any irritation or discomfort, Dr. Munira discontinues the treatment. Patients are then given a desensitizer to reduce the sensitivity. They can return to a chairside teeth whitening session after a few days.

A dazzling and pearly smile can take years off your appearance and do wonders to your self-confidence.

Visit StarBrite Dental to find out how Dr. Munira can enhance your smile and your beauty!