Dentist
Keeping Your Smile White

Keeping Your Smile White

Would you smile more often if your smile were brighter?  If yellowing teeth is causing you to hide your smile, it is time you got to the root of the problem first.

Why Are My Teeth Turning Yellow?

There are many culprits to a dingy smile.  Some are daily habits that we can change on our own, while other factors may be beyond our control.  In some cases, for example, yellow teeth can be blamed on the parents.  Genetic disposition can determine the thickness of your outer tooth enamel.  Therefore, if you have the genes for thin enamel than the natural yellow colored dentin (inner layer) of your tooth will be more visible.  This is the same reason that we tend to have yellowing teeth as we age; our enamel gradually wears thin over time.

Another contributing factor for a dull smile can be found in your medicine cabinet.  Certain medications, most commonly tetracycline, can cause stubborn tooth stains.  Even specific antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs or chemotherapy can wreak havoc on the bright smile you long for.

As far as daily oral habits are concerned, there are definitely some that will ruin a white smile.  We may be well aware of red wine and coffee as tooth staining culprits.  But did you know that even apples and potatoes cause teeth to yellow?  Another habit to kick if you want a bright smile is your tobacco use. Cigars, cigarettes and chewing tobacco all leave behind extrinsic stains on the enamel of your teeth that are very difficult to remove.

Can My Smile Be White Again?

Absolutely! Regardless of what might be causing your teeth to yellow, whether it is something you can control or not, most patients can benefit from a professional teeth whitening at a dental office to reverse the problem.  There are a myriad of over-the-counter teeth whitening products that can help, but a professional whitening procedure will be well worth your investment for longer lasting and more effective results on stubborn stains.  Teeth whitening from your dentist works to penetrate and bleach that yellow dentin layer of your tooth and lighten its hue.  With today’s advancements in cosmetic dentistry, there is no reason you should be covering your smile due to yellow teeth.

Dr. Patrick O'Brien

Dr. Patrick O’Brien , D.M.D., is a caring and compassionate family dentist who proudly serves the residents of Fayetteville, NC and the surrounding areas with comprehensive family dental healthcare. Our dental practice offers a wide array of dental services designed to help our patients achieve optimal oral health and a dazzling, confident smile, for life.

Dr. Patrick O'Brien

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