What causes
tooth discoloration?
There are many causes of tooth discoloration, and determining the cause of your discoloration will help Dr. Nguyen, your Austin dentist, better develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.
What causes
The treatment process
Some common causes of tooth discoloration are:
- Food & drink: What you eat and drink can impact the color of your teeth. For instance, drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine tend to stain teeth because the pigments actually attach to your teeth. Foods like tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, curry, and even dark-colored berries can stain your teeth.
- Age: As we age, our enamel wears down and slowly starts to expose the yellowish dentin below. If this is the case, you will likely also experience increased sensitivity.
- Medication: Certain medications, particularly Tetracycline, can cause tooth discoloration. Some other medications responsible for tooth discoloration are antibiotics, antihistamines, and chemotherapy.
- Tobacco: Tobacco is a huge cause of tooth staining. The tar and nicotine from tobacco products actually absorb into the tiny pores on your teeth and buildup there.
- Poor hygiene: Not taking care of your teeth is another cause of tooth discoloration. Daily care and regular professional cleanings will help protect the structures of your teeth and prevent discoloration.
During your consultation with Dr. Nguyen, she will discuss with you your health history, your oral health history, and your lifestyle habits to determine what cause or causes of your tooth discoloration and/or staining. Not all tooth staining and discoloration can be treated the same, so understanding the cause will help Dr. Nguyen understand which type of stain removal will be best for you.
Types of teeth whitening
Because different types of discoloration require different types of treatment, we offer a few different types of teeth whitening. The main types of teeth whitening that we offer are:
In-office bleaching: In-office bleaching usually only takes one visit. During this time, Dr. Nguyen will use a bleaching gel applied to your teeth and will protect your gums from the solution.
Professional take-home kits: Professional take-home whitening kits are often not as concentrated as in-office whitening, but they do afford you the comfort and freedom of whitening your teeth on your own time and in the comfort of your own home.
For severely stained or discolored teeth that can’t be whitened by traditional procedures, Dr. Nguyen may recommend veneers. Visit our veneers page for more information about this versatile cosmetic procedure.
Our whitening options can brighten your smile and boost your confidence. Ask Dr. Nguyen about which whitening option is best for you before choosing a product.
Why you should always visit your dentist for whitening
There is no shortage of over-the-counter whitening kits and products on the market, but you need to be careful with the products you choose and how often you use them. If you use whitening products too often, you can actually damage your teeth, and unless you know what the cause of your discoloration is, there is no guarantee that the product will give you the results you want. The best way to ensure safe and effective teeth whitening is by visiting your Austin dentist.
Teeth whitening can have a profound impact on your overall self-confidence. If the color of your teeth is holding you back from showing the world your beautiful smile, it’s time to do something about it.
Take the next step towards loving your smile today by calling Dr. Nguyen to learn more about how teeth whitening in Austin, TX can change your life! Call us today at (512) 593-1874 or request an appointment online to get started.
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