What is one of the first things you notice about someone you meet for the first time?
According to numerous surveys and style magazines, the number one answer is: their SMILE. Our smiles communicate many things about us: Our attitude, our sense of humor, our state of health. What does your smile say about you? Do you ever find yourself resisting to smile at others or in photographs because you are embarrassed to expose your teeth due to staining or discoloration?
The Dark Truth
Over time, most of us develop stained teeth due to lifestyle and the foods we eat. Some of the leading causes of tooth stains include: Smoking or chewing tobacco, consuming coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomato sauce. Certain medications, like Tetracycline, when taken during tooth development, can also contribute to discoloration. Stains can also be signs of infection or decay. Stains on teeth are classified in two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are superficial, surface discoloration. Intrinsic stains are deep stains, embedded in tiny cracks layered between your tooth enamel and the dentin below your enamel. While many over-the-counter toothpastes and products can help remove surface or extrinsic stains, they are not designed to reach the deeper or intrinsic stains.
Lighten Up!
One of the fastest, easiest, and safest ways to give yourself a more youthful appearance and boost your self confidence is with professional teeth whitening. Often, in as little as one hour, your dentist can safely erase years of stain and discoloration from your smile. Patients can choose the convenience of in-office whitening or, at home, with custom or pre-filled trays.
Your dentist can create a whitening treatment program designed specifically for you, to optimize the brightest results with the least sensitivity. It is important to note that teeth that have been restored with crowns, veneers and fillings do not whiten with bleaching products, so dentists often recommend patients have professional teeth whitening prior to receiving new dental restorations, in order to best color match the new crowns and veneers.
A bright happy smile is a gift for yourself and all those you meet!
Bradley A. Ross, DDS is the owner of Mission Trails Dentistry, located at 6902 Navajo Road at Jackson Drive. Dr. Ross welcomes questions from readers at dentistrysandiego@gmail.com 619-582-9700
