Many things in life get better with age—wine, senses of humor, our golf game—but unfortunately, our teeth aren’t on that list. As we get older, teeth become prone to shifting and discoloration, leaving previously straight smiles looking decidedly crooked and yellower than you remembered. Although yellowing and staining teeth are common side-effects of aging, we don’t have to accept them as inevitable! If you’ve been wondering how to prevent your teeth from yellowing, our team can help. Here at Germantown Dental Group, we offer Zoom! whitening to brighten your teeth, as well as options to whiten your teeth at home. Let’s take a look at what causes discolored teeth and what you can do about it!
What causes yellowing or staining of the teeth?
As we get older, the layer of white enamel on our teeth gets thinner. This allows the naturally yellow material beneath it, called dentin, to show through more clearly. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows through, giving your teeth a yellow tint. Enamel is also naturally porous and as we age, the microscopic holes within it get larger, revealing even more dentin and leaving the teeth even more vulnerable to staining.
Genetics can also play a role in how white our teeth appear. Some people are born with tooth enamel that is brighter or thicker than others, while some have a thinner layer of enamel or naturally darker teeth. Aside from age, hereditary factors, and certain kinds of medication, our lifestyle choices can play a role in yellowing and staining our teeth. For example, smoking is one of the most common contributors to tooth staining. Regularly drinking coffee, black tea, wine, and soda can also lead to discolored teeth over time.
Lessen the Effects of Yellowing and Staining From Home
With continued social distancing guidelines, it can be encouraging to know that there are some simple steps you can take to combat staining and enhance the shine of your smile from home! The most obvious (and important) of these is maintaining good dental hygiene. That means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time and flossing every night before bed. This will help remove plaque build-up that might attract stains or make them more noticeable.
How you consume foods and drinks that contribute to staining can also make a difference. Use a straw when drinking cold tea or soda, and avoid long, slow sips of coffee and other hot, acidic beverages to minimize the contact they make with your teeth. Another easy way to prevent stains is to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming any acidic or highly-pigmented foods, like soy sauce, blueberries, or beets.
Regular dental visits are an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, clean, and looking as good as they feel! Professional cleanings with our team will not only get rid of stains that regular brushing and flossing can’t touch, but also help us look for and treat dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and more.
Zoom! Whitening to Ignite Your Smile
Germantown Dental Group is proud to offer Zoom! whitening to our patients in Germantown and the surrounding Memphis area. This method is quick, effective, and produces beautiful results that last in as little as one office visit! This method of teeth whitening uses a gel that is activated by a special light. As one of the safest methods of whitening teeth, you can feel confident in Zoom! Here’s how it works:
Step 1—After cleaning your teeth, we’ll use an instrument to hold your mouth open. Then your gums and lips will be covered so that only your teeth are showing.
Step 2—Next, we’ll apply the whitening gel and expose your teeth to a special light. This light activates the gel, helping it to lighten deep stains.
Step 3—Finally, we’ll remove the gel and you can enjoy your beautifully whitened smile!
With stunning results in as little as one office visit, this teeth whitening method is a great choice for a brighter smile. After your in-office whitening procedure is complete, we’ll provide you with at-home whitening trays at no additional cost, so that you can maintain your smile for life!
Custom At-Home Whitening Trays
Whitening your teeth at home is easy and convenient with Germantown Dental Group. We offer whitening trays customized for each individual patient’s smile. We’ll take a mold of the teeth to create the trays that will be used for whitening the teeth. Patients apply the whitening gel to the trays and wear them for a few hours a day for about two weeks. This at-home whitening option is perfect for these socially distanced times!
It’s important to remember that the success of any teeth whitening procedure will be affected by the genetic makeup of your teeth. For the best results, you only want to whiten teeth back to their natural shade. Remember, that shade won’t always be bright white! Most people will find their natural teeth are an off-white color, and that’s entirely normal. Be realistic about your expectations, and be sure to let one of our dentists know if you have any questions or concerns.
Stop Staining in its Tracks with Germantown Dental Group
If yellow or stained teeth are holding you back from your happiest smile, we invite you to explore all the benefits professional tooth whitening has to offer! Our exciting teeth whitening options will give you safe, healthy, and satisfying results that will last.
Whether your smile is discolored from genetics, aging, or any other cause, we’re here to help restore your teeth to their natural brilliance! Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our expert team. We can’t wait to meet you!