The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer
layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine
and tobacco. We want our
Fenton patients to know
that food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth's enamel by a certain
protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are notorious
for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and
vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.
One type of stain-caused by traumatic injuries, medications and
fluorosis-actually begins inside the tooth; brushing and flossing don't
help. Another type of stain-one that can be more easily attacked by
brushing, flossing and rinsing-is caused by external factors such as
foods. More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to
reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains.
At Home or In Office Teeth Whitening Procedure
Some commercially available "whitening toothpastes" can be somewhat
effective at removing stains and making teeth a few shades brighter.
However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually
wear away your tooth's enamel.
Teeth Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are
effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a
difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products also are
not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations
such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain
veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case).
Professional teeth whitening procedures performed in our Fenton office is
considered to be the most effective and safest method; done properly, tooth
whitening can last as long as five years. Over-the-counter whitening systems
are somewhat effective as long as they are monitored and directions followed
closely.