A bright, white smile can boost your confidence in today’s world of appearance conscious people. Teeth whitening is a great way to improve your appearance. Before we get into the details of how to whiten teeth, let’s first understand what causes discoloration.

Most people believe that stained teeth can only be caused by poor oral hygiene. This is partially true but the truth is much more complex. Diet, lifestyle, genetics and medications all play a part.

Teeth Whitening: Common causes and symptoms

Understanding of causes for teeth whitening

Food and Beverages

Surface stains caused by food and drink are a common reason for people to seek teeth whitening. Popular items such as:

Coffee
Tea
Red Wine
Colas, sodas
Dark berries
Tomato-based sauces

The outer enamel of your teeth will become duller over time as the chromogens adhere to it.

Use of tobacco (Smoking and Chewing)

Tobacco is tar and nicotine which can deeply stain the teeth. Smokers can experience discoloration that is yellow, brown or black. This discoloration can be difficult to remove without professional treatment. Smoking is one of the most common lifestyle factors that cause tooth discoloration.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Plaque and food particles can build up if you don’t brush and floss regularly. It can lead to surface stains, tartar and yellowing of the teeth. Discoloration is also accelerated by skipping regular dental cleanings.

Changes in the Age Group

The enamel of our teeth thins out with age, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath. Even with proper oral hygiene, teeth can lose their luster due to this natural process. Many adults, especially those in their 30s or older, consider teeth whitening as a way to restore a youthful look.

Certain Medicines

As a side-effect, some medications can darken your teeth. Examples include:

Tetracycline or doxycycline is especially effective in children.
Antihistamines
Antipsychotics
High blood pressure medication
Chemotherapy drugs

The stains can be difficult to remove, and may require veneers or advanced whitening treatments.

Fluorosis

Too much fluoride, especially in early childhood, can cause dental fluorosis. This is characterized by white spots, brown streaks, or other stains on the enamel.

Trauma or Injury

Trauma can cause a tooth to become discolored. The tooth will darken over time if the nerve of the tooth dies or internal bleeding occurs. This is most common in children who have fallen or adults involved in sports injuries.

It is important to identify the cause before whitening.

Knowing what caused discoloration is important to determine the best teeth whitening treatment. You can, for example:

Whitening toothpastes or treatments in the office can be effective for extrinsic (outer surface) stains from smoking or coffee.
If you have stains inside your teeth, often due to medication or trauma, it may be necessary to use stronger bleaching agents or veneers or crowns.

The results of teeth whitening will not last if you do not address the cause (such as smoking or drinking dark drinks).

There are different types of teeth whitening options depending on the cause

The following are some common options for whitening based on type of discoloration.

At-Home Whitening kits

Surface stains caused by food or beverage
Includes: Whitening strips, gels, or trays
Results visible in as little as 1-2 weeks

Professional Office Whitening

For: Discoloration due to age, tobacco or medication
Includes: Hydrogen peroxide and laser whitening
Results are immediate and more dramatic

Whitening Toothpaste

Ideal for mild surface stains
This product contains: hydrogen peroxide or baking soda

Veneers and Bonding

Best for: Stains or traumatism due to trauma
The products are not whitening agents but cosmetic dental restorations.

How to prevent teeth discoloration after whitening

You’ll want your results to last after you have undergone a whitening treatment. Here’s how:

Limit your consumption of coffee, red wine and sodas
After eating foods that cause stains, rinse your mouth with water or brush it.
Quit smoking or using tobacco
Brush your teeth regularly
Use a straw with dark drinks
Visit your dentist for regular cleanings

Consider using a whitening paste 2-3 times per week to maintain your brightness without oversensitizing enamel.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening can be a great way to improve your appearance and boost your confidence. For lasting and effective results, you must first understand the causes of discoloration.

Multiple factors can affect the color of teeth, from everyday eating habits to lifestyle choices, age and genetics. Finding the cause will help you choose the best treatment to maintain a white smile.