Having a picture-perfect smile was previously reserved for Hollywood A-listers, but since the rise of social media, it has become normal for everyday people to have a gleaming set of teeth. Because of this, those with flawed teeth have grown increasingly insecure. Previous findings from the Oral Health Foundation revealed that having stained and discoloured teeth is the biggest reason that people hide their teeth when posing for a photograph.
If having discoloured teeth is getting you down, hiding your smile isn’t the solution. Whether your teeth have minor stains or are deeply discoloured, various cosmetic dental treatments can help you treat and prevent stained and discoloured teeth.
What are the top causes of stained and discoloured teeth?
Finding out what has caused your teeth to discolour can help determine which treatment is going to be more successful.
Tobacco, poor oral hygiene, and diet are common causes of discolouration and stains. The following beverages and foods are particularly prone to staining teeth:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Fizzy pop
- Tomato sauce
- Blueberries
Yellow teeth can be age-related as the white enamel surface of teeth wear down as you get older. When teeth appear grey, it’s usually a sign of tooth decay, injury, or genetics.
If you need help, be sure to contact the professional dental clinic in Maywood ca.
Brighten your smile with teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a standard cosmetic dental procedure which lightens the existing colour by several shades and removes stains. There are store-bought whitening products such as whitening toothpaste and strips, but treatments conducted by dental professionals are safer and most effective.
The procedure often involves having a bleaching agent applied to the teeth, which is then activated by a UV light shining towards it. The results can last from a few months to three years. Dentists can also provide at-home whitening products for you to use that’ll support the treatment.
Get professional teeth cleaning
Dentists can conduct a professional clean to remove minor stains and plaque during routine appointments using a jet of water, air, and bicarbonate particles. Keep in mind that this procedure won’t whiten the teeth though, and any stubborn stains may require a more thorough cleaning.
Makeover your smile with veneers
If your teeth are deeply discoloured and have stubborn stains, they may be resistant to whitening treatments. However, veneers can cover up any dental imperfections and can last for up to 20 years. Veneers are customised shells that the dentist places over the front of your teeth. You can choose to cover just one tooth or get a full set for a complete transformation.
The dentist practice, Churchfield Dental, offer both porcelain and composite resin veneers. When deciding which type of veneers to have fitted, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons. For example, composite veneers may be easier to fit, but porcelain veneers are far more stain-resistant.
Achieve permanent results with dental implants
Dental implants are typically used to replace missing or damaged teeth. When a tooth’s nerve dies and blood stops flowing to it, the tooth can turn grey, black, or yellow. Implants are often the best treatment option for this scenario, as a dead tooth can’t be whitened and may need removing if a root canal treatment isn’t possible.
This procedure entails fitting titanium screws into the jawbone and attaching a naturally-looking false tooth to the screws. While implants are one of the more costly treatments, they can last a lifetime when the proper maintenance is followed.
How can you prevent stained and discoloured teeth?
Try to limit your intake of pigmented food or drinks. If you do consume any, rinse your mouth with water and brush and floss your teeth if possible. You can also use a straw when drinking strongly coloured beverages to limit the exposure it has on your teeth.
Practice good oral healthcare, such as flossing daily, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and using mouthwash daily. Ensure you attend regular dentist appointments for professional cleaning.
Consider eliminating or limiting bad habits such as smoking or drinking stain-prone alcoholic beverages.
While prevention is better than cure, if you need help to treat stained and discoloured teeth it isn’t too late to fix your smile. There are several treatment options to suit different budgets and levels of severity. To determine which procedure is most appropriate for you, consult a dental professional.
