Many people feel that an attractive smile is necessary for many things, such as being appealing to other people and even raising your chances of being hired. Your teeth, however, don’t always stay in pristine condition given that the food and drink you consume daily can lead them to become stained and discolored. This is where a skilled dentist in Buckhead like Dr. Jolanda Warren of Buckhead Esthetic Dentistry will be able to help you.
What Causes Tooth Staining
A knowledgeable Buckhead dentist would be able to point out the various ways teeth can become stained or discolored. One reason is natural discoloration caused by age. The reason for this discoloration is that a thin layer forms over the teeth enamel daily. This layer picks up stains and combined with enamel erosion reveals the yellow-colored dentin inside the teeth that leads to eventual discoloration.
Another reason for teeth stains is your habits. Eating habits that are focused on brightly-colored food and drink can lead to stains. Some examples include red wine, tea, cola, oranges and carrots. It should also be noted that many of these food items are acidic in nature, which can contribute to enamel erosion. Other habits that contribute to your teeth’s staining are smoking and chewing tobacco, both of which cause stubborn nicotine deposits to form on your teeth.
How Teeth Whitening Works
The main job of teeth whitening is to remove the dirt and stains that have discolored your teeth. There are some DIY options you can take advantage of, such as teeth whitening toothpastes and take-home kits. For best results, however, you’ll need to have a professional dentist administer a teeth whitening procedure.
The process itself involves applying a gel-like whitening solution that usually has hydrogen peroxide in it. Your dentist first applies protection over your gums and other more delicate parts of your mouth, then the whitening solution is placed on your teeth. Next, a specialized light is used to activate the solution, making the whitening process go faster. The process takes over 30 to 90 minutes, and may require one to three appointments depending on how badly stained your teeth are.
Source:
Teeth Whitening, WebMD
Teeth Whitening: How it Works and What it Costs, Consumer Guide to Dentistry