SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
Everyone’s teeth are unique, including the color. As we age and certain lifestyle factors have a bearing on the color of our teeth. Teeth become dingy, yellow, or even gray throughout life. You probably already know that things like coffee, wine, and smoking influence the color of teeth. But did you know there are other factors that affect the color of your teeth too? Today on the blog, cosmetic dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share why teeth become discolored and what you can do to brighten your smile.
Various factors contribute to teeth staining. Some of those we can control, like what we eat and drink, while other elements are out of our control. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.
What you can control
- Foods like berries, marinara sauce, soda, and tea cause teeth staining over time. Limiting these foods and beverages is the best way to avoid dingy, stained teeth. Some of these things provide overall health benefits, and so we recommend consuming them in moderation. Be mindful of your teeth, and consider swishing your mouth with water after consuming these things or brush your teeth afterward.
- Over-fluoridation is another culprit of stained teeth. Fluoride is a natural substance that protects enamel by reducing the risk of cavities. However, tooth much fluoride discolors your teeth. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid using fluoride. It just means you should use it as directed. Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is usually the right amount needed for most individuals. However, speak with our Scotts Valley family dentists if you are unsure how much or often you should use fluoride.
- Tobacco use will quickly cause teeth to become dingy and yellow. Avoid smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or vaping, which can discolor your teeth in no time. Plus, you already know that using tobacco isn’t healthy for your body either, so it’s best to kick the habit entirely.
What you can’t control
Our teeth are destined to be a specific color. So, no matter how diligent you are to protect your teeth against staining and how much you whiten them, teeth will only reach a certain shade because of your genetics.
Aging is something you can’t control. And as you age, your teeth change too. They may become dingy or discolored and not respond to whitening treatments as well as when you were younger.
Other things you cannot control that have a bearing on your tooth color are the side effects of medications. Certain medications cause teeth to stain from within the tooth, not just on the outer surface. Additionally, traumatic injury can cause a tooth to turn gray, meaning that the nerve has died.
What can I do about stained teeth?
Thankfully, there are still ways to obtain a bright, white smile, regardless of the cause. Professional teeth whitening is a simple way to whiten your teeth if they are discolored due to surface stains. You’ll get better results from professional teeth whitening treatments than you would from store brought whitening products. At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we offer both ZOOM! Whitening and Sinsational Smile, professional whitening for the best results! If your teeth are stained intrinsically (from within the tooth), a more permanent option such as veneers or dental crowns may be a better option for you. Porcelain restorations like crowns and veneers can be made in any shade yet look completely natural.
Whiten your teeth in Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, or Santa Cruz
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth or want to learn about ways to get permanently white teeth, contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry for a consultation by calling (831) 438-4411. Find out which solution is best for you so that you can smile with confidence.
